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FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 




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FOOTBALL 

AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

BY 
PERCY D. HAUGHTON 

Harvard Coach, 1908-1916 

INTRODUCTION 
BY 

HEYWOOD BROUN 




MARSHALL JONES COMPANY 

BOSTON 

1922 



GV<rs 
.H 3 



COPYRIGHT* 192 2 -BY 
MARSHALL JONES COMPANY 



LC Control Number 




tmp96 026372 



THE PLIMPTON PRE68 ' NORWOOD • MASSACHUSETTS 
PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 



OCi lb 22 

©CI.A683762 
"Ho | 



TO THOSE FOOTBALL PLAYERS WHOM I HAVE HAD THE GREAT 

PRIVILEGE OF TEACHING, AND WHO, IN SPITE OF MENTAL 

WEARINESS AND PHYSICAL STRAIN, RESPONDED TO MY 

SUGGESTIONS WITH THEIR ENTIRE WILL, THIS BOOK 

IS DEDICATED IN FRIENDSHIP AND APPRECIATION 



INTRODUCTION 

The reader who wants to know how to listen 
to music or what to observe in a picture gallery 
may readily find all this information conveniently 
gathered in book form. Accordingly, it is fitting 
that to this informative library there should be 
added a book of football for the spectator. I 
maintain that football is an art as well as a sport. 
Percy Haughton belongs without doubt among 
the old masters. Of course, his position is com- 
plicated a little by the fact that he is also in the 

ranks of the moderns. 

Still another difficulty is raised by the ques- 
tion of just which branch of art embraces foot- 
ball. Mr. Haughton realizes its analogies to 
war, but I think that there are features which 
qualify the game for a place in the field of liberal 
arts as well. There is a striking resemblance, 
for instance, between the best of Harvard foot- 
ball and any characteristic story by O. Henry. 
To be sure, every football play is in a sense a 
short narrative. First come the signals of the 

[vii] 



INTRODUCTION 

quarterback. That is the preliminary exposi- 
tion. Then the plat thickens, action becomes 
intense and a climax is reached whereby the 
mood of tragedy or comedy is established. 

But the resemblance between Haughton foot- 
ball and O. Henry is more special than this. 
Deception is an important factor in the tech- 
nique of both the coach and the writer. Often 
there is a well developed feint to fool the reader 
or the opposing line as the case may «be. Every- 
body thinks he knows how it is coming out when 
suddenly we have the surprising flash of the 
trick finish. "By Jove," says the reader, laying 
down the book, "I never thought of that." And 
the Yale defensive back, picking himself up, 
says much the same thing though perhaps some- 
what differently expressed. Like O. Henry, 
Haughton seems to have specialized in happy 
endings. 

Again, it must not be overlooked that Har- 
vard football since the days of Haughton has 
dramatic values as well as fictional ones. Many 
of the delayed pass plays demand a histrionic 
ability upon the part of the participants which 
would tax the best leading men of the American 
stage. We were always moved to particular ad- 

[viii] 



INTRODUCTION 

miration by the performance of the man who 
didn't have the ball. Here skilful impersona- 
tion was frequently animated by the proper note 
of passion as well. Indeed, we are informed 
that at times the perfection of technique in a 
given play, as well as the underlying feeling, has 
moved the entire Yale team to tears if not ap- 
plause. 

The need of a book upon football for the 
spectator rests not only upon the many phases of 
the game unknown to the general public. It is 
even more important to clear away a little of the 
mass of spurious information which has gathered 
around the game. As a newspaper writer I 
realize that I have done my share toward the 
creation of misapprehension. The possibility of 
error in any sort of long range reporting is pro- 
digious and twenty-two active young men upon 
a gridiron have a habit of wriggling around in 
such a way that it is hard to keep accurate track 
of them. At this moment I fancy I hear an ag- 
gressive voice demanding, "Why doesn't Har- 
vard number her players?" It is easy for me to 
answer that. I don't know why. And yet it 
seems to me only fair to add that numbers do not 
help nearly as much as they are supposed to. A 

[ix] 



INTRODUCTION 

vigorous young man can carry a large 29 upon 
his back and remain almost anonymous as far as 
the purposes of the press stand go. On muddy 
days it is a little easier if they don't wear num- 
bers. Dirt often distorts the digits and gives 
the spectators impressions of knowledge much 
more false than if he had merely guessed. 

But after all it is not entirely the inexact re- 
porting of detail which makes newspaper foot- 
ball so different from the game which is actually 
played upon the field. It is almost inevitable 
that the emphasis should often fall into the wrong 
places. The sporting writer hardly need apolo- 
gize for this. It is not his fault that the general 
public is romantic and demands its heroes. The 
tradition which gave the whole credit of victory 
to the king or emperor, or at any rate some 
plumed knight, has descended into our own day 
and now works to the advantage of the backfield 
men. If every opposing tackier should sud- 
denly be struck dead by lightning the newspaper 
story would still speak of the brilliant run of the 
half-back who walked down the field stepping 
over the prostrate foe until he had crossed the 
goal line. 

In general, scant attention is paid to those 

M 



INTRODUCTION 

preliminary plans and deeds which are largely 
responsible for the long run. All of us watch 
the man with the ball. Accordingly football 
has come to be thought of in terms of individuals. 
The artisans engaged in a manoeuvre are for- 
gotten because of the glory of the hero who ac- 
tually completes a scoring play. All this is 
good fun. It is easier to talk of football in these 
terms. The only trouble lies in the fact that it 
isn't true. This objection has been enough to 
diminish the prestige of the romantic school in 
most of the other arts. It is about time for the 
realists to have their say in football as well. 
Percy Haughton seems to me to be eminently 
fitted for this task. His imagination has done 
much to animate football and make it colorful, 
but he remains intensely practical. Possibly, it 
may be felt that enthusiasm about Haughton 
must be discounted if it comes from anybody 
even remotely connected with Harvard. In re- 
ply to that I can only say — ask Yale. 

Heywood Broun 



[xi] 



CONTENTS 

CHAPTER PAGE 

Introduction by heywood broun vii 

Author's Preface xix 

I. How to Watch and Understand Football 1 

II. The Fifty- Year Battle Between the 

Offense and Defense 60 

III. Pre-season Preparation 88 

IV. The Campaign 100 

V. Medical Aspect of the Game . . . .118 

VI. The Intelligence Department . . . .135 

VII. The Attack 145 

VIII. The Defense 165 

IX. A Game in Detail 178 

X. The Wherefore of Football . . . .197 



[xiii] 



PLATE 
I. 

II. 
III. 



IV. 



VI. 
VII. 



VIII. 



IX. 



X. 



XI. 



ILLUSTRATIONS 

PERCY D. HAUGHTCT . Frontispiece 

FACING PAGE 

A PLUNGE PLAY. Harvard s. Centre 
1920 4 

(a) A SLANT OUTSIDE OF TACKLE. 
Yale vs. Harvard 1921 5 

(b) A SWEEP FROM OPEN FORMA- 
TION. Harvard vs. Centre 1920 . . 5 

A RUSH WHICH FAILED. Princeton 
vs. Harvard 1920 12 

A SUCCESSFUL SWEEP. Yale vs. 
Harvard 1921 13 

A PUNT. Yale vs. Harvard 1920 . . 16 

(a) A FORWARD PASS. Centre vs. 
Harvard 1920 17 

(b) A FORWARD; PASS, Centre vs. 
Harvard 1920 17 

AN UNUSUALLY SUCCESSFUL FOR- 
WARD PASS. Harvard vs. Princeton 32 

(a) A CRISS-CROSS RUN. Centre vs. 
Harvard 1920 33 

(b) A CRISS-CROSS RUN. Centre vs. 
Harvard 1920 33 

AS SEEN FROM THE SIDE LINES. 
Yale vs. Harvard 1921 36 

(a) A DROP KICK, A SUCCESS. Yale 

vs. Harvard 1921 37 

(b) A DROP KICK, A FAILURE. Har- 
vard vs. Penn State 1921 . . . . 37 

[XV] 



XII. 



XIII. 

XIV. 
XV. 

XVI. 
XVII. 

XVIII. 

XIX. 

XX. 

XXI. 

XXII. 



[xvi] 



ILLUSTRATIONS 

FACING PAGE 

(a) A SHORT LATERAL FORWARD 
PASS. INCEPTION. Harvard vs. 
Centre 44 
PASS. COMPLETION. Harvard vs. 

(b) A SHORT LATERAL FORWARD 
Centre 44 

THE BOOMERANG. Princeton vs. Har- 
vard 1921 45 

THE PURSUIT. Harvard vs. Yale 1921 48 

A DEFENSIVE TRIUMPH. Centre vs. 
Harvard 1921 49 

AN OFFENSIVE VICTORY. Centre 
vs. Harvard 1921 64 

(a) A FINE PIECE OF INTERFER- 
ENCE. Centre vs. Harvard 1920 . 65 

(b) A FINE PIECE OF INTERFER- 
ENCE. Centre vs. Harvard 1920 . 65 

(a) CLEVER DEFENSIVE METHODS. 
Centre vs. Harvard 1920 .... 68 

(b) CLEVER DEFENSIVE METHODS. 
Centre vs. Harvard 1920 .... 68 

PRESSING THE KICKER. Yale vs. 
Harvard 1913 69 

AN OPENING IN THE LINE. Har- 
vard vs. Princeton 1921 76 

(a) A FINGERNAIL TACKLE. Yale 

vs. Harvard 1921 77 

(b) A FINGERNAIL TACKLE. Yale 

vs. Harvard 1921 77 

(a) THE ELUSIVE PIGSKIN. Har- 
vard vs. Yale 1921 80 

(b) THE ELUSIVE PIGSKIN. Har- 
vard vs. Yale 1921 80 

(c) THE ELUSIVE PIGSKIN. Har- 
vard vs. Yale 1921 80 



ILLUSTRATIONS 

PLATE PACING PAGE 

XXIII. WHERE IS THE BALL? Harvard vs. 

Penn State 1921 81 

XXIV. TOO MUCH DEFENSE. Harvard vs. 

Yale 1921 96 

XXV. A POWERFUL RUSH. Harvard vs. 

Yale 1921 97 

XXVI. PASSIVE INTERFERENCE. Harvard 

vs. Centre 1920 112 

XXVII. A DECOY. Centre vs. Harvard 1920 . 113 

XXVIII. A TOUCHDOWN. Harvard vs. Yale 

1921 128 

XXIX. HELD FOR DOWNS, Yale vs. Har- 
vard 1919 129 

XXX. BODILY CONTACT. Centre vs. Har- 
vard 1920 136 



DIAGRAMS 
I. OFFENSE FORMATION— Close 
II. OFFENSE FORMATION— Open 

III. OFFENSE FORMATION— Loose 

IV. OFFENSE FORMATION— Wide 



PAGE 

46 
48 
50 
52 



[xvii] 



PREFACE 

WHEN properly understood, Football 
is both mentally and physically such 
a glorious sport that it seems a pity 
that so many who witness it should not be con- 
versant with its salient points. 

The word mentally properly precedes physi- 
cally because the game has today reached such 
an advanced stage of development that unless 
certain well-established tactical principles are 
closely followed mere brawn is at a discount. 
Not that the game doesn't demand rugged phy- 
sique and great endurance, but given two teams 
of nearly equal weight and strength, mental 
finesse will usually be the winning factor. 

It is extremely difficult to watch and under- 
stand football intelligently. It is a good deal 
like watching a four-ring circus. Accordingly, 
the author has made no attempt to describe the 
game in all its details, but has chosen to em- 
phasize certain "headliners" on which the spec- 
tator's attention may be most properly riveted. 
For a thorough understanding of the game, it is 

[xix] 



PREFACE 

necessary to master not only the cardinal prin- 
ciples, but also a great mass of minute detail. 
The average spectator for whom this book is 
written is not interested to that extent. 

Plenty of books have already been written on 
the so-called fundamentals and the technique of 
individual play. Rather than duplicate these, 
the author has effaced the individual player save 
in so far as his performance correlates with that 
of his fellow players, and has dwelt in the main 
upon team evolutions and certain other aspects 
which pertain to the government of the game. 

It is his dearest hope that by the sacrifice of 
many important details he has produced a clear 
description of the subject in its broadest scope, 
and that this book may add materially to the en- 
joyment of the many thousands of spectators 
who witness the game of American Football. 

Percy D. Haughton 



[XX] 



FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 



FOOTBALL 

and How to Watch It 



HOW TO WATCH AND UNDERSTAND 
FOOTBALL 

ARE YOU READY, HARVARD?" 
"Are you ready, Yale?" The referee 
blows his whistle. 

It is a supreme moment. The pent-up feel- 
ings of the past year are suddenly released and 
one is brought face to face with the realization 
that within the coming two hours the pendulum 
of the Fates will swing either to victory or de- 
feat. 

Oh, the glory of victory! The heroes it pro- 
duces, the congratulations it calls forth! The 
supreme happiness and intense satisfaction en- 
tailed more than repay all the preparation and 
the strain of a season's work; and besides, the 
world loves a winner. 

[i] 



FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

In utter contrast, consider the sting of defeat. 
We have all seen the crestfallen players limping 
dejectedly from the field, but the real, dull pain 
of defeat comes after the physical weariness has 
worn off, when the mind persists in reverting to 
that everlasting "if." "If," soliloquizes the 
Coach, "I had not been swayed by others but had 
only planned my defense according to my own 
judgment, that winning play of our opponents 
would never have been successful." 

"If," moans each of the players, "I had only 
done so and so, they would never have licked us." 

So the wound is constantly kept open and be- 
fore a healthy cure can be effected there follows 
a distinct tendency toward misunderstanding, 
lack of confidence, and sometimes actual dissen- 
sion in the camp of the vanquished. It is a 
wretched situation. 

If it is one of the big final games of the sea- 
son to which we are going, I trust we have al- 
lowed plenty of time on account of the conges- 
tion of traffic — the neck of the bottle — which al- 
ways occurs at the approach to the field, and 
have arrived at least twenty minutes ahead of the 
scheduled time of the game. 

Now this is an extremely difficult feat to ac- 

[2] 



HOW TO UNDERSTAND FOOTBALL 

complish, as our gracious hostess insists on de- 
laying luncheon until her entire party has ar- 
rived, and our convivial host will not be dis- 
suaded from "showing us a little attention.' ' 
Other little five-minute delays keep cropping up 
and before we realize it, we are caught in the 
maelstrom of the crowd and, after a thorough 
bumping about among people who all seem to 
be unusually large and good-naturedly rough, 
we arrive too late for the opening play of the 
game. 

Let us assume, however, that we have ar- 
rived in good season. The choicest seats are 
naturally considered to be at midfield, although 
if one has drawn a goal-line seat great consola- 
tion is often derived from the fact that the most 
vital play of the game happens right "under one's 
nose." 

Few people realize what a tremendous coigne 
of vantage is gained by viewing the game from 
a height sufficient to obtain an aero-view, so that 
one player's body does not hide another's. The 
players are thus diagrammed, as it were, and seen 
from a position far enough removed to include 
in the field of vision all the members of both 
teams when lined up in scrimmage formation, 

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Plate III. (a) A SLANT OUTSIDE OF TACKLE 

TWO inter ferers have put the left defensive end (1) com- 
pletely out of commission. He may be seen on the 
ground at the left of the picture. Two more interferers 
are protecting the runner from the left tackle (2) who 
is recovering from contact with the line. 

As the runner is swerving outward these interferers will 
probably go against the defense halfbacks and the player 
on the extreme right will also be menaced by the lineman 
who is approaching Kim. 

Two of the defense may be seen following in the wake of 
the runner. Neither will catch him but their position 
emphasizes that offensive speed is of vital importance. 

The offense here have acquired tremendous superiority over 
the defense. 

Yale vs. Harvard 1921. 

(b) A SWEEP FROM OPEN FORMATION 

THE results are very similar to those shown in the upper 
picture. Here again the offense have shut off the de- 
fensive right end (1), have boxed the left tackle (2) leav- 
ing three interferers free ahead of the runner. Notice 
the splendid piece of interference against player (S). 

The runner is carrying the ball in his hands. He has evi- 
dently "faked" a forward pass, which accounts for the 
hesitating positions of the second and third line of de- 
fense. They have been forced to guard their respective 
zones until they could diagnose the nature of the play. 
They will now have a difficult task to stop the runner who 
is so thoroughly screened by interferers. 

This play gained fifteen yards, the runner being forced out 
of bounds on the farther side of the field. 
Harvard vs. Centre College 1920. 

[5] 



FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

except those players of the defense who are 
stationed thirty or forty yards back of the scrim- 
mage line. But one should understand that, at 
this distance, the speed of the players is not so 
apparent, and one does not see individual facial 
expressions nor hear the impact of contending 
players as plainly as from the sideline seats. 
Nevertheless, for a comprehensive view and un- 
derstanding of the game as a whole, I strongly 
recommend the elevated location. 

When once in your seat note the position of 
the score board so that when the game begins 
you can readily ascertain what down it is and 
how much distance must be gained; then, when 
the teams come on the field for preliminary prac- 
tice, pick out the noted players by comparing 
the numbers they wear with your program. 
Watch the style and performance of the various 
punters and, when the elevens line up for sig- 
nal practice note the offensive arrangement of the 
two elevens. 

While the teams are warming up, it is inter- 
esting to consider that those players out there, al- 
though they look like gladiators in their football 
togs, are mere boys from eighteen to twenty-two 
years old. They have been through weeks of 

[6] 



HOW TO UNDERSTAND FOOTBALL 

steady practice under the direction of expert 
coaches, sometimes hard taskmasters, gruelling 
drills in fair and foul weather, and long scrim- 
mages which have tested the temper and calibre 
of each man. They have kept strict training. 
They have been told what to eat and what not to 
eat, smoking has been forbidden and regular 
hours insisted upon. In short, they are in as 
perfect physical and mental condition as careful 
supervision arfd common sense can insure. 

The mental attitude is of extreme importance. 
Many hours have been spent by the coaches on 
the psychology of the game and in getting the 
boys into the frame of mind that knows no fear, 
in instilling the spirit of fight, clean, manly fight, 
without which no big game is ever won, and in 
giving them confidence in their own ability, yet 
stopping short of the point of overconfidence, al- 
ways a very difficult thing to do. 

It also should be remembered that those boys 
know something more than how to kick a ball 
and run with it. They have been chosen for their 
brains as well as for their brawn. It is obvious 
that they know their own plays and can execute 
them like clockwork ; but it is not always appre- 
ciated that for many weeks before the big game, 

[7] 



FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

those men, besides perfecting their own play, 
have to learn and absorb the style of play of 
their opponents. That knowledge, of course, is 
brought to the coaching staff by those who have 
seen the opponents in action, and it is imparted 
to the players by means of blackboard talks with 
elaborate diagrams, and, frequently, in the 
larger colleges, for a week or two before the big 
games, the second team is schooled in the style 
of play to be used by the opponents and is sent 
against the varsity in practice games every after- 
noon. 

When the brief preliminary practice is fin- 
ished both teams usually withdraw from the field 
until within a few minutes of the scheduled time 
of play, while the cheering sections have their 
turn, followed by a* general settling down in an- 
ticipation of the game. Look about you in this 
interim. Behold the serried tiers of humanity, 
every seat occupied by an intensely partisan spec- 
tator. Observe the color effect of flags, ladies' 
hats and the flowers worn by both men and 
women slightly dimmed by a film of smoke from 
thousands of cigars and cigarettes. It is a most 
impressive spectacle. 

As the time aproaches "zero" hour, there are a 

[8] 



HOW TO UNDERSTAND FOOTBALL 

few minutes of awesome hush which spreads rap- 
idly over the amphitheatre and one can feel one's 
nerves beginning to tingle in anticipation of the 
appearance of the teams. Of a sudden there is 
a slight stir about the portal where the players 
are to make their entry. Those nearby crane 
forward. The police push aside the crowd and, 
like lions loosed, one team — forty strong — bounds 
into the arena. On the instant pandemonium 
breaks loose. In the midst of and above the tu- 
mult an organized cheer — the best of the whole 
afternoon, one that rakes the spine and vibrates 
in every nerve-center — is given for the heroes. 

Few spectators realize what a tremendous in- 
spiration this is to the players. Many people 
think that cheers are only stage-play. They are 
not ; in fact, well-conducted cheers at the proper 
time are indispensable to the morale of the 
players. 

A moment after the entrance of the first team 
a like scene is enacted on the opposite side of the 
field, and after the respective captains have 
shaken hands in midfield and the referee tossed a 
coin for choice of goal, the two teams rush onto 
the field and take position for the opening play. 

Before the game actually begins, however, it 

[9] 






FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

may be helpful to describe briefly some of the 
principles upon which football is based and some 
of the fine points — sometimes termed "inside 
stuff" — not readily understood by the average 
spectator. Note that I say "average" and the 
term is used advisedly, for it includes men who 
have not made a study of the game and an ever- 
increasing number of women who witness foot- 
ball contests in blissful ignorance not only of the 
higher technique, but even of the simplest rudi- 
ments. To them I trust these points will not 
only be enlightening but will add zest to their in- 
terest. I should mention that this section contains 
only a brief description. The full subject with 
reference to its history and present status, the of- 
fense and defense, and the mental, moral, phys- 
ical and medical aspects of the sport, will be dis- 
cussed later. 

I warn you that parts of this chapter may ap- 
pear to be frightfully serious and complex, but 
we are dealing with a game properly described 
by these adjectives and if you really want to en- 
joy the game you had best make up your mind 
that certain principles must be clearly understood 
and a great many A B C's digested before you 
really "know what the game is all about" and 

[10] 



HOW TO UNDERSTAND FOOTBALL 

before you can recognize good play from bad. 

So let us start our lesson with the following 
explanation. The team in possession of the ball 
is termed the "Offense" and the side not in pos- 
session of it the "Defense." These expressions 
will be used throughout to designate the team 
referred to. 

The tactics employed by the offense to advance 
the ball are known as the attack, which is made 
by means of ( 1 ) Rushing, ( 2 ) Forward Passing, 
(3) Kicking and (4) by Deception, or by a com- 
bination of any two of the above. These salient 
arms of attack are subdivided as follows: 

1. The Rush, into: 

a. Plunges, which comprise all plays of a 
straight-ahead nature, the great majority of 
which are directed at or between the two guards 
on the defense and usually executed by the heav- 
iest player in the offensive backfield. Plays of 
this class should gain a short distance consist- 
ently. 

b. Slants, those plays which are directed on 
either side of the defensive tackles, the majority 
of which should gain a greater distance, but not 
so consistently as plunges. Small losses occur at 
times. 

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[13] 



FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

c. Sweeps, which are, as the word indicates, 
plays directed at the flanks of the defense wherein 
the fastest back is used to carry the ball. Some- 
times called "long gainers" — lacking in the 
consistency of slants and subject to greater 
losses. 

d. Reverse plays, which comprise all plays 
which change their direction and are of a decep- 
tive character, to which may be added trick plays 
that have for their chief value the element of sur- 
prise. Wholly lacking in consistency, they are 
eminently successful in a small percentage of the 
number of times tried. 

2. The Forward Pass, which may be grouped 
into: 

a. Short, swift tosses to a point about on the 
extended scrimmage lines. 

b. Throws directed into spaces or zones be- 
tween the wing halfbacks on the defense. 

c. Long heaves directed away from such de- 
fensive players as are stationed say twenty-five 
to thirty yards back of the scrimmage line. 

Forward Passes are all dangerous as they are 
susceptible to interception by the defense. They 
are, however, an invaluable weapon of attack not 
only as a means of gaining distance, but also as 

[14] 



HOW TO UNDERSTAND FOOTBALL 

a constant threat, thus weakening the defense 
against rushes and kicks. 

3. The Kick, divided into: 

a. The Punt, which is usually executed at a 
point from eight to ten yards back of the scrim- 
mage line. It is invariably employed in lieu of 
the surrender of the ball on downs. It should 
average say thirty-five yards net gain. 

fo. The Drop and Placement Kicks, made from 
a similiar position and for the purpose of scoring 
a field goal. The placement kick is also used 
after a fair catch for try at field goal. At the 
start of the game, the second half, and after every 
score it must be used as a means of putting the 
ball into play, but no goal can be scored from it. 

A team is well equipped if it has in its reper- 
toire about twenty-five plays, apportioned as 
follows : 

16 Rushes, consisting of 10 plunges, slants and 
sweeps, 3 reverse plays, and 3 tricks, 

7 Forward Passes. 

2 Kicks. 
Some teams have as many as forty plays, but far 
better is it to have a few plays well learned, for 
it is the execution rather than the nature of the 
play which makes it successful. 

[15] 










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Plate VII. (a) A FORWARD PASS 

THE player (1) at extreme left of the upper 
picture has made pretense of kicking thus 
drawing several defense linemen towards him. 
He has succeeded further in "freezing" the 
defense backfield, i. e„ causing them to remain 
stationary until the nature of the play has been 
divulged. 

Meanwhile, an offensive player (2), who is elig- 
ible to receive the pass, may be seen sneaking 
towards the opposite sideline. 

The defense backfield (3) have just recognized 
this fact and are on their way to recover their 
momentary disadvantage. 

The ball is already in flight and it would appear 
that, provided the pass were accurate, a long 
gain would result. 

(b) 

THE lower picture shows the same play from a 
different angle at the moment when the re- 
ceiver (2) caught the ball. 

The time consumed while the ball was in flight 
gave the defending halfback (3) opportunity 
to make up for his shortcomings of a few 
seconds earlier. Thus he was able, although 
menaced by an interferer, to tackle the re- 
cipient of the pass for a gain of only five yards. 
Had he sensed the nature of the play earlier, 
he might have intercepted the pass. 

Forward passes of this species are for this 
reason hazardous because when they are inter- 
cepted there are no players of the side which 
put the ball in play in position to prevent a 
long run against them. 

Centre College vs. Harvard 1920. 

[17] 



FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

In order that the above plays be utilized to 
their utmost effectiveness, it is usual that the of- 
fense employ three to four different formations 
as follows: 

1. Close formation, from which a strong run- 
ning attack by rushing is to be expected, but 
from which forward passing may develop (Dia- 
gram 1, p. 52). 

2. Open, or kick formation, which has wider 
cope in rushing, notably sweeps, but which main- 
tains inherent strength both in plunges and slants 
as well as forward passing (Diagram 2). 

3. Loose formation, wherein one or more of 
the backfields are placed where they can be of bet- 
ter service as interf erers on slant plays and also 
to better advantage for receiving forward passes 
(Diagram 3). 

4. Wide formation, used by certain teams to 
throw defense into confusion, thus obtaining an 
opening for either a forward pass or a rush (Dia- 
gram 4). 

We have now reached a point where it is nec- 
essary to consider some of the rules which govern 
the game. I regret this for it is dry stuff (so is 
law or the rules of any game) but I'll omit much 
and skip through the rest as briefly as possible. 

[18] 



HOW TO UNDERSTAND FOOTBALL 

Be it understood then that in the use of their weap- 
ons of attack, the offense are confined by many 
rules in the deployment of their players, the chief 
of which are that when the ball is put in play: 

a. At least seven men must be on the line of 
scrimmage. 

b. Only one player may be in motion and that 
one under certain restrictions. 

c. If a forward pass is tried, only the players 
on the ends of the scrimmage line, and such other 
players as are at least one yard or more behind 
the line of scrimmage when the ball is snapped, 
are eligible to receive such pass, and further: 

d. The pass must be delivered from a distance 
of at least five yards behind said scrimmage line. 

In the conduct of their players the offense 
are also hampered by rules which state that : 

a. When contact with opponents takes place, 
i. e., blocking and interfering, they shall not use 
their hands nor arms except as part of their 
bodies. This rule, however, does not include the 
player carrying the ball, usually termed the run- 
ner. An infraction of this rule constitutes hold- 
ing. 

6. "Thou shalt not clip, trip, nor crawl," to 
say nothing of minor rules whose infraction 

[19] 



FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

brings penalties involving the loss of distance 
ranging from five yards to fifteen yards. 

c. "Thou shalt not fumble," roars the Coach. 

These manifold and severe penalties incurring 
loss of distance, and fumbles causing loss of the 
ball, to say nothing of intercepted forward pas- 
ses, create a "bugbear" for the offense. In fact 
it is so difficult for eleven men on the offense to 
conduct themselves within the many rules which 
confine them, with the possible loss of ball through 
fumbles and intercepted forward passes plus the 
stubbornness of the defense, that it is improbable 
that one team can gain in a series of plays more 
than thirty-five to forty yards. This fact must 
be seriously considered among the general prin- 
ciples of offense as applied to the theory of the at- 
tack. 

In striking contrast to the confinement of the 
offense is the freedom of the defense, which may 
take position in any form desired, nor are they 
restricted in the use of their hands, except of 
the closed fist, in their endeavor to avoid their op- 
ponents, provided they make actual attempt to 
reach the player who is carrying the ball. 

To be sure, the defense as well as the offense 
are subject to penalty for being offside, for un- 

[20] 



HOW TO UNDERSTAND FOOTBALL 

necessary roughness, and for hindering the op- 
ponents from catching a forward pass, unless in 
so doing they are making an actual attempt to 
catch the ball themselves; but aside from these 
minor restrictions they are practically immune 
from penalties. 

However, just as there are offensive strategic 
principles, so the defense are governed by certain 
tactical axioms which must be added to the fac- 
tors which cause victory or defeat (see Dia- 
grams). 

It is quite impossible in this chapter to give a 
full description of offensive strategy, nor are 
there at all times set rules which govern the 
quarterback's decision, but it is well to point out 
a few of the salient principles on which the theory 
of attack is based. Although at times the reas- 
oning is somewhat close, yet it is essential that 
the spectator obtain a brief outline of the subject, 
as without it the whys and wherefores of the va- 
rious offensive manoeuvres are meaningless. 

Let us, then, begin with the statement that un- 
less the offense advance with the ball in their 
possession ten yards or more in four or less con- 
secutive attempts, they must surrender the ball 
to the defense. Having this as the sole object, 

[21] 



FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

how had they best proceed to accomplish the 
desired result? 

In the discussion which follows, it is assumed 
that both teams are of about equal strength in 
the various departments of the game. If this 
be true, how, then, can one team ever defeat 
its opponent? By errors of commission and 
omission which creep into the play of one or the 
other. An axiom which has held true for years 
is "Other things being equal, the team which 
makes the fewest mistakes usually wins." Let 
us at once add this to the growing list of factors 
which result in success or failure. 

Now let us for the moment step into the shoes, 
or rather look into the brain, of the offensive 
quarterback and view the kind of precepts which 
are stored there. Mind you, this is only the 
A B C of quarterback training, which varies in 
elasticity even as the conventions of Auction 
Bridge. In Auction, conditions are constantly 
changing because not only are there different 
cards in every deal, but one's decision is always 
dependent upon such things as whether the 
player is dealing, or sits number two, three, or 
four position, also upon the score and whether it 
is "free double," and so on. 

[22] 



HOW TO UNDERSTAND FOOTBALL 

Or again, perhaps a better comparison is the 
similarity of strategy employed in baseball, 
wherein the actions of the pitcher and batter are 
governed with reference to the number of strikes 
and balls on the batter, the ability of the next 
batter, how many and on what bases the runners 
are, how many are out and what is the score and 
inning. 

Apply these principles to football and we 
get the elasticity of judgment required of the 
quarterback. It always devolves upon him, with 
a warp of long training and a woof of common 
sense, to weave the various component factors 
into a fabric which shall fit the exigencies of 
every situation. With this as a background the 
quarterback's Bible begins as follows: 

In the selection of each and every play he must 
consider : 

1. Climatic conditions which include the di- 
rection and velocity of the wind, the position of 
the sun, and the condition of the field of play, 
i. e., whether the footing is sure or slippery. 

2. The position of the ball on the field of play, 
i. e., with respect to the goal line and side lines. 

3. Which down it is and how much distance 
must be gained in order to obtain a first down. 

[23] 



FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

4. What the score is, and how much time there 
remains before the close of the half or the game. 

5. The distribution of the defense and its phys- 
ical condition. 

Considering only 2 and 3 in combination the 
quarterback is further burdened with a table of 
field tactics, which has been drummed into him 
daily since the beginning of the season, a brief 
outline of which runs as follows: 

"Unless the wind is blowing against you," re- 
iterates the Coach, "whenever you are inside your 
own twenty yard line punt on the first or second 
down, because should a fumble occur and the 
enemy recover the ball, they have at once a 
golden opportunity to score. 

"Between your own twenty and forty yard 
lines, utilize your various kinds of sweeps, which, 
though not consistent gainers, may result in good 
yardage, but don't dare to use any forward pass 
which may be intercepted, nor any of those 
double passes for fear of a fumble. And remem- 
ber, always punt on fourth down with more than 
two yards to go, because although you are theo- 
retically surrendering the ball to your opponents, 
you gain thirty to forty yards in doing so. 

[24] 



HOW TO UNDERSTAND FOOTBALL 

"From your own forty yard line to your op- 
ponents' thirty yard line you are allowed a 
greater choice of plays. Use your running at- 
tack and, by manipulating your formations, 
threaten at once the three salient arms of attack 
—the rush, forward pass, and kick. If your 
rushing tactics are successful don't vary from 
them, but if you get held up on third down with 
five yards to go, slip a forward pass or one of 
those trick plays. But under no circumstances 
be held for downs. 

"If you reach your opponents' thirty yard line 
remember you are within scoring distance and 
concentrate on that word 'score.' Use your 
strongest rushing plays and when the defense 
stiffens, play your 'ace of trumps,' and if on 
fourth down you are doubtful about gaining the 
required distance, get your three points by shoot- 
ing a drop kick." 

Such advice, when thoroughly digested, taken 
in conjunction with the general principles which 
have been mentioned, constitute a basis for a cor- 
rect selection of plays at the proper time. 

Having waded through this theoretical side 
of the game, let us rest our wearied minds some- 

[25] 



FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

what by the application of these theories to prac- 
tical demonstrations of what actually happens 
during a game. 

In watching a football game, I strongly advise 
the spectator to cultivate the habit of always 
knowing the down and distance, either by mem- 
ory or by reference to the score board which we 
located when we first arrived at the field. In this 
way you can often anticipate the nature of the 
ensuing play especially if you will apply the doc- 
trines which have been so forcibly impressed upon 
the quarterback. If we know it is fourth down 
and five yards to go, we can assume that the 
quarterback will order a kick. When it happens, 
we not only feel a certain satisfaction in having 
"called" the play, but through our fore know- 
ledge we are enabled to see the play with far 
greater detail than otherwise. I cannot em- 
phasize the importance of this suggestion too 
strongly. 

The greatest failing of the average spectator 
is that he keeps his eyes glued to the ball, or the 
runner, during the progress of a play. In this 
way he misses entirely the eternal conflict be- 
tween the offensive interferer and the defensive 
tackier. Now let it be thoroughly understood 

[26] 



HOW TO UNDERSTAND FOOTBALL 

that the very essence of ground-gaining by rush- 
ing lies in this interference, i. e., clearing a path 
for the runner by other players of his side. That 
you may visualize the truth of this statement, let 
us for the moment assume that the offense con- 
sisted merely of a player to put the ball in play 
and a lone runner. The unhindered defense 
would overwhelm the runner before he could run 
a yard, kick or even pass with any accuracy. 
From this illustration, we can now see that it is 
solely through the co-operative efforts of all the 
eleven units of the offense that the various arms 
of attack can operate successfully. Thus when 
a plunge play is executed, it is the offensive line 
from tackle to tackle which enables the runner 
to reach even the line of scrimmage, and by its 
superior charge against its opponents enables him 
to squeeze through the first line of defense. 
(Plate II) Again, when a sweep is attempted, 
notice that usually two of the backfleld are de- 
tailed to put the opposing end rush "out of com- 
mission." At the same time our offensive end 
and tackle are endeavoring to "box" or flank the 
defensive tackle. The remaining back, with per- 
haps the assistance of a linesman, rushes through 
the gap outside of this tackle to attend to the 

[27] 



FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

rush-line halfback who represents the second 
line of defense. In this way, the offense have 
thrown six interferers against the three of the 
defense, who are most likely to stop the runner 
without gain. (Plate III) Meanwhile, other 
linesmen, after they have performed their pro- 
tectionary assignments on the line of scrimmage, 
may be seen, ahead of the runner, harassing the 
wing halfbacks, or third line of defense. Time 
after time, you may see these interferers continue 
these tactics after the runner has been thrown. 
(Plate IV) The average spectator miscon- 
strues their action either as unnecessary rough- 
ness or as wasted effort. Quite the contrary. 
It is their duty to engage certain of the defense 
at the moment when the runner, if untackled, ar- 
rives at that locality. Their eyes and attention 
being directed against their opponents, they are 
quite unable to tell whether the runner is tackled 
or not. In other words, they are performing 
their assignments irrespective of the fate of the 
runner, on the assumption that he will need their 
assistance if his path has been cleared to that 
point. Only on rare occasions does this occur, 
but when it does this interference on the third 
[28] 



HOW TO UNDERSTAND FOOTBALL 

and even fourth line of defense converts a gain 
of say ten yards into a really long run which 
often as not results in a touchdown. 

From the Coach's point of view, these inter- 
feres are the real heroes of a successful offensive 
play, albeit the runner often shows skill in elud- 
ing opponents either by clever dodging or by the 
use of a "straight-arm." (Plate V) One fre- 
quently sees a brilliant run by a noted halfback, 
but he who attributes a good gain entirely to the 
runner not only does injustice to his teammates, 
but also misses one of the really fine points of 
football. Therefore, let me urge that you keep 
the runner in the tail of your vision, as it were, 
and direct your main attention on what trans- 
pires ahead of him. 

Again, there is a strong tendency to watch the 
ball in its flight after it has been punted. In 
the interim, what occurs on the field of play? 
Note, before the ball is actually kicked, the rug- 
ged conflict between the onrushing defense and 
the offensive backs, who act as protectors for 
their kicker. (Plate VI) Were it not for the 
wall these backs thus form every attempted punt 
would be easily blocked. Even with their assis- 

[29] 



FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

tance the kicker is forced to perform his skillful 
act in a few seconds of time, else disaster will 
follow. 

On another occasion, when on account of your 
knowledge of the down and distance you are 
reasonably sure a punt will ensue, watch the of- 
fensive ends begin their mad rush d'ownfield at 
the snap of the ball, to be followed a second later 
by the tackles, while the guards and center hold 
their ground until all possibility of a blocked 
kick is eliminated. As the ends proceed, you will 
see the defensive wing halfbacks, after they have 
made sure that a rush or pass is not forthcoming, 
make every effort to impede the progress of the 
offensive ends, ending with a final lunge at them 
just as the ball is caught. Here is interference 
in another form which often enables the player 
catching the punt to gain yardage otherwise not 
possible. To counterbalance this interference on 
the ends, many teams send a tackle downfield at 
the snap of the ball. (Plate VI). 

Difficult as it is to see either a rush or kick in 
its entirety, it is quite impossible to visualize the 
great majority of forward passes. Not only is 
the intended direction and length of the pass 
unknown to the spectator, but often the very 

[30] 



HOW TO UNDERSTAND FOOTBALL 

nature of the play is concealed by a pretence of 
the passer to do something else. The common- 
est form of thus outwitting the defense and de- 
ceiving the spectator as well, is a pretence of 
punting by the kicker, until the defense have been 
lured away from certain zones of territory, when 
by suddenly desisting from his punting motions, 
he is able to pass to one of his side at the point left 
vacant by the deluded defense. (Plate VII) 
Another trick which distresses the defense and 
spectator alike is when a clever player gives 
every indication of passing in one direction, and 
then suddenly hurls the ball to an unnoticed 
player in quite an opposite direction. Still again, 
a play which to all intents and purposes is a bona 
fide attempt to rush, will suddenly develop into 
a forward pass to the utter surprise of the de- 
fense. (Plate VIII) 

Failing then to obtain regularly a compre- 
hensive view of plays of this nature, the best we 
can do is to keep the tactical situation constantly 
in mind, i. e., down and distance, and thus try to 
anticipate the play or be content to watch the 
passer closely and marvel at his cleverness and 
the skill of the receiver. 

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Plate IX. (a) A CRISS-CROSS RUN 

IN the top picture , the play was taken at the mo- 
ment when the ball was being passed from one 
player (1) moving towards the camera to 
another player (2) going in the opposite di- 
rection. 

Notice that the defense line has been momenta- 
rily blocked in order that the players engaged 
in the delicate operation just described might 
be thoroughly protected. 

Meanwhile interference is forming against the 
defensive right end (3). The defensive back- 
field are shown in various degrees of uncer- 
tainty. 



(b) 

THE lower picture shows the same play, after 
the runner (2) is well under way and the de- 
fense in full cry after him. 

The defensive right end (3) and tackle (4) are 
seen sprawling on the ground, leaving the 
runner with a valuable interferer ahead of him, 
to combat finally with the three defense back- 
field who are now fully aware of the final di- 
rection of the play. The play thus resolves 
into a race for the farther side line between 
them and the runner. 

Note apprehension shown by attitude of man 
with white hat. 
Centre College vs. Harvard 1920. 



[33] 



FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

So far we have considered certain phases from 
the offensive point of view only. We have 
learned that although practically every player 
on the offense is subject to a tremendous phsy- 
ical exertion in every play, yet he has the great 
advantage of knowing, through the medium of 
numerical signals, which of his team is to handle 
the ball, where the play is to be directed, and in 
case a starting signal is used, when the ball is to be 
put into play. 

The defense, on the other hand, have no know- 
ledge of any of these all-important factors which 
in itself constitutes its greatest problem. Al- 
though the linemen are subject to great physical 
strain during every play, yet they and the entire 
backfield undergo at all times tremendous mental 
uncertainty as to what the offense are going to do 
next. By reference to the diagrams we can see 
how the various offensive formations are at once 
answered by a corresponding shift in the distri- 
bution of the defense, but having thus theoreti- 
cally prepared for any move the offensive may 
make, the moment the ball is put in play they are 
at once subjected to many pitfalls. Oould they 
but recognize the signals, no offensive move 
would be successful. They must however, re- 

[34] 



HOW TO UNDERSTAND FOOTBALL 

main in ignorance of its nature not only before 
the play begins, but for an appreciable time after 
it starts. 

It is this necessary hesitancy of action which 
gives to the offensive an initial advantage best 
illustrated by the cohesive charge of the offen- 
sive line. Were the opposing linemen certain of 
a plunging type of play they could easily meet 
the attack with little or no gain, but the defensive 
tackle, for instance, has learned that he cannot af- 
ford always to plunge headlong at the apex of 
a play apparently aimed well to his left, because 
bitter experience has taught him that the play 
ma y» by a change of direction, develop to his 
right. So also an end must always beware of the 
dreaded criss-cross play which starts toward one 
end and by the concealed passage of the ball 
from one player to another develops in the op- 
posite direction. (Plate IX) 

Consider the predicament of a wing halfback 
who sees the runner dashing toward the flank 
which he is guarding. If the play is really a 
rush, he should move forward to tackle the run- 
ner before he has gained material distance. If, 
however, the play develops into a forward pass, 
it is his bounden duty to locate the player who is 

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Plate XI. A DROP KICK 

(a) A SUCCESS 

THE ball was put m play on the five yard line and 
was kicked from the fourteen yard line. It can 
now be seen on its way toward the goal posts. 

Most of the defensive line have been successfully 
checked on the line of scrimmage. Others have met 
the wall of offensive backs, who protect the kicker. 
One (with upraised arms) made a desperate at- 
tempt to block the ball but was too late. 

Notice position of kicker's right leg, denoting that 
he used simply the "snap of his knee" to impart 
impetus to the ball. 

Note also the look of utter helplessness of the defen- 
sive backfield. 

Yale vs. Harvard 1921. 

(b) A FAILURE 

IN all respects, save one, the offensive have performed 
their various assignments in excellent form. The 
line has blocked four of the defense on the scrim- 
mage line. Defensive right end (5) is held up by 
protecting back, and a player with upraised arms 
and another behind him are about to be blocked by 
another offensive back. 

The ball however, was not elevated sufficiently by the 
kicker. It may be seen apparently between the 
knees of player with upraised arms. In reality it 
is several feet nearer the camera. 

Because drop kicks start from the ground they are 
easier to block than punts, which are delivered from 
a point two or three feet from the ground and with 
greater elevation as well. 

Harvard vs. Penn. State 1921. 

[37] 



FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

to receive the pass and to be in a proper position 
to intercept it. He is between the devil and the 
deep sea. In fact were it not for the rule which 
compels the offense to execute a forward pass at 
least five yards behind a line where the ball is 
put in play his position would be quite unten- 
able. 

At other times, when the forthcoming forward 
pass and the apparent receiver are patent to him, 
by following the receiver, who in reality is simply 
a decoy, he is enticed away from the locality 
where the pass will be caught by another and real 
receiver. That plays of this nature may not be 
consistently successful the defense, although sac- 
rificing material strength on the line of scrim- 
mage by so doing, are rapidly learning to with- 
draw their center some five yards from the line 
and thus support the wing halfback in question, 
under such conditions as described. 

This man who occupies the center position is 
well worth watching, individually, for he is called 
upon, against close running plays, to cope with 
the rugged work in the line. He must be fast 
enough to render immediate support to both 
tackle and end if playing as a rush line halfback, 

[38] 



HOW TO UNDERSTAND FOOTBALL 

and under certain systems he must be sufficiently 
wise to control correctly the entire scheme of de- 
fense. In this respect, whether under his direc- 
tion or not, the defense are governed by the same 
principles which determine the offensive strategy. 
We have learned that the offense quarterback is 
constantly influenced in his choice of plays by the 
down and distance to be gained, that if on 
fourth down there is but a scant yard to go for 
first down he will most likely rush and presum- 
ably use a plunging type of play. If third down 
and more than five yards to go he will tend to- 
wards the use of the forward pass. But if on 
fourth down and ten yards to go, unless some un- 
usual circumstances exist, he will order a punt 
or else look forward to a bad half hour with an 
enraged coach. 

Conversely, the defense are trained in the same 
line of thought, so that whatever formation the 
offense assume, the defense not only respond 
with the proper theoretical formations, but direct 
their main attention towards coping with the kind 
of play (kick, rush, or pass) the offense will 
probably employ. 

Reference to the diagrams shows the usual 

[39] 



FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

variations of defense, but all teams do not assume 
the positions as drawn, so that the spectator 
should be constantly alert in noting the defen- 
sive formations, particularly when the offense 
threaten to punt. See if the defense respond 
by placing one or two men back to receive the 
kick. The main reason why they do not always 
put two men at full distance is for fear of a for- 
ward pass into a zone some ten to fifteen yards 
directly back from the line of scrimmage. A 
player is sorely needed at this point when a play 
of this nature is executed. On the other hand, 
one man alone against a punt cannot cover the 
width of the field, and an accurate punter will 
always take advantage of this fact by placing 
his kicks to one side. Or, should the punt come 
to him on the fly and he muff it, none of his side 
are near enough to render immediate assistance 
in recovering the ball. The spectator should 
realize that this "handling" of punts is of the most 
vital importance to the defense. Under the most 
favorable conditions it is an extremely difficult 
feat, but when the catcher is pitted against a 
spiral punt with wind and sun to complicate mat- 
ters and fully aware that the instant he catches 
[40] 



HOW TO UNDERSTAND FOOTBALL 

the ball there will be two or three opponents 
ready to bang him to the ground, know that it 
takes skill and a stout heart to combat this play 
successfully during the full hour's play. 

If a muff does occur and the offense recover, 
it constitutes what is termed a "Break," that is, 
when the usual scheme of play is marred by an 
error of commission or omission of one of the 
players. As has been stated it is mistakes of this 
kind which often win or lose a football game. 
Perhaps the worst break which can happen 
against a team is for the opponents to block a 
punt and recover the ball. It is not only the 
actual distance lost, but the psychological ef- 
fect upon the offending team which plays such 
havoc. 

Another type of break occurs when a team is 
gaining steadily and as they are approaching the 
enemy's goal (or third down) are penalized for 
holding. It often happens that the rush during 
which this infraction occurred gained a good ten 
yards and would have made a first down. In- 
stead, the offending team is set back fifteen yards 
and the down remains the same, so that instead 
of first down on the opponent's fifteen yard line 

[41] 



FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

it is now third down on their forty yard line with 
twenty-five yards to gain. Thus the opportun- 
ity of scoring has been completely wiped out by 
the mistake of one individual. 

Intercepted forward passes are the most spec- 
tacular form of break, because the play, from be- 
ing a near success, sometimes results in utter dis- 
aster. It is because of this "boomerang" effect 
that the offense use the forward pass so sparingly 
in their own territory. 

At every game of football there sits, usually 
within earshot, an individual who persists in 
venting his feelings against the players on the 
field by a continuous line of "chatter." His 
creed appears to be that if his team gains or pre- 
vents their opponents from gaining, all is well. 
But when one of his team apparently misses a 
tackle, he sums up the situation by the word "rot- 
ten." That man, and, thank Heaven, this kind of 
person is confined to the male gender, either has 
never played football himself, or else is ignorant 
of the fact that tackles have been, are, and will be 
missed as long as football is played. Further, 
he fails to discern that most tackles are missed, 
not through the clumsiness of the would-be tack- 

[42] 



HOW TO UNDERSTAND FOOTBALL 

ler, but through the cleverness of the runner. 
On another occasion when our interferers fail 
to "clean up" the opposing end rush, he causti- 
cally remarks "pretty bum attempt," not in the 
least recognizing that the end in question had 
by the use of his hands on the interferers' bodies, 
succeeded in ridding himself of them and, by a 
superb tackle, downed the runner for a loss. 
The lesson he should learn, then, is to give credit 
when and where it properly belongs. 

A penalty for holding is incurred by our team. 
The referee, with ball in hand, starts pacing off 
fifteen yards. "Robber!" yells our sportsman- 
like neighbor. Aside from his unseemly remark, 
he is evidently ignorant of the fact that it is 
the umpire who inflicts penalties of this nature 
and that in this case, the referee is simply carry- 
ing out the verdict of the umpire. Be it known, 
then, that the main duties of the referee have 
to do with the movement of the ball, while those 
of the umpire, assisted by the field judge, have 
jurisdiction over the conduct of the players. 
The decisions of the officials are always given 
honestly and, in the great majority of cases, cor- 
rectly. Booing or complaining of their actions 

[43] 



Plate XII. A SHORT LATERAL 
FORWARD PASS 

(a) INCEPTION 



THE ball was put in play at the point X. The 
offense were in open formation. The ball was 
snapped to quarterback who, by running back- 
ward and laterally toward the camera, drew all 
seven of the primary defense after him. He 
is now in the act of passing the ball to another 
back seen in foreground. 

To show that the offense are well aware of the 
danger of the play (note proximity of defense) 
the player at extreme left is so placed that if 
the defense intercepted the pass he could tackle 
the runner. 

(b) COMPLETION 

THE lower picture shows the same play just 
after the receiver caught the ball, but before he 
has had time to tuck it safely under his arm. 

He has not yet reached the original line of 
scrimmage (about opposite pail on further side 
line) but is already menaced by the defensive 
wingback who has advanced to meet him. 
Another back is still following a decoy player 
(on extreme right), who was sent ahead of the 
play for this purpose. 

In the background a thirdback is seen in the act 
of dodging an offensive interferer. This pic- 
ture emphasizes the lateral ground covered 
during the play. 

Harvard vs. Centre College 1921. 

[44] 



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FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

has no place in any amateur sport, albeit that it 
seems to have become a privilege for the frenzied 
fan at professional baseball games. 

This same individual is also apt to criticise 
loudly the quarterback for not doing otherwise 
than he did. Comes a critical situation. Which 
of the three arms of attack shall our quarterback 
employ? A kick, run or pass? He decides on 
one and the defense completely foil the attempt. 
Mr. Know-it-all at once shrieks his disapproval, 
"punk judgment." 

To him I address the following: Kindly real- 
ize that the quarterback is a mere boy of twenty 
odd years ; that, like as not, this is his first cham- 
pionship game (under the present eligibility 
rules, it cannot be more than his third) ; that 
he has been playing almost an hour against a 
rough and rugged team and has received many 
blows and hard falls that would have made either 
you or me quit long ago; that although he has 
had intensive training in the comparative quiet 
of secret practice, yet please know that it is 
quite a different matter to put into effect what 
has been taught him when eleven burly oppo- 
nents are, figuratively speaking, endeavoring to 

[46] 



HOW TO UNDERSTAND FOOTBALL 

beat his brains out and fifty to seventy thousand 
people are helping him to think straight by yell- 
ing their heads off. 

And, finally, Mr. Smarty, that you may to 
some small degree appreciate the stress under 
which he is working, I give you for correct solu- 
tion the following problem: Assume that you 
are standing in that quarterback's shoes; that 
your team has, by virtue of superhuman effort, 
or through your own cleverness, if you prefer, 
reached the enemy's two yard line. The position 
of the ball is unfortunately well toward the side- 
line; it is the fourth down and the goal line to 
go. The score is 6 to 3 against you and the 
Field Judge has just told you that there is less 
than two minutes to play in the final period of 
the game. 

Let me assist you in your reasoning, as you 
stand there with your reputation quaking in the 
balance. You will notice that the enemy's line is 
greatly reinforced by two halfbacks who have 
quite rightly stationed themselves directly be- 
hind their two tackles, and look at the do or die 
expression on the faces of those three center men. 
The flanks are also strengthened by two wing 

[47] 



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FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

halfbacks, who because the forward pass zone is 
restricted to ten yards beyond the goal line, have 
wisely taken position much nearer the scrim- 
mage line than usual. But "take it from me" 
all four of the enemy's backfleld are on the alert 
for a forward pass into that narrow strip of legal 
territory, and remember it is only necessary for 
them to bat the ball away from your receivers 
to constitute a touchback, in which case your 
goose is cooked. Somehow, the space between 
the goal posts appears unusually narrow as you 
consider trying to tie the score by kicking a 
drop goal, just as that golf hole looks the size 
of a pin head when you have a four-foot putt 
for a halved match on the eighteenth green. 

"I have it," you say, in faked calmness. "Even 
if I fail in my rush, the enemy will be compelled 
to punt from an awkward position, and we can 
make a fair catch and then tie the score by kick- 
ing a goal from placement." 

"Well, as long as you have decided on a rush, 
which one are you going to use? Go ahead and 
do something quickly, or the referee will penal- 
ize you two yards for delaying the game, and 
finally remember that of the three arms of at- 

[50] 



HOW TO UNDERSTAND FOOTBALL 

tack, only one can be used in this last remaining 
try; therefore, theoretically, the odds are two to 
one against your successfully accomplishing 
whatever you attempt. Good luck to you!" 



[51] 



Diagram I 



Defense F&$mafifo& A. 



y X 153 X- X- >C 



O OOOQpO 



Off ense Fbrm&fton — Close 

[52] 



Diagram I 

THE offense in close formation are able to attach 
by rushing all points on the primary line of 
defense. For this reason the latter, unless 
they anticipate a forward pass, usually place 
seven men on the line of scrimmage to combat 
the weight of the impending attack upon it. 

A player of rugged build is stationed from three 
to four yards back of the first line of defense, 
opposite the apex of the offensive formation. 
This player, known as a rush line halfback, 
supports the line from tackle to tackle and con- 
stitutes the second line of defense. The other 
halfbacks (usually termed wingbacks) are 
forced to take position sufficiently removed to 
be on equal terms with possible receivers of the 
forward pass. 

Owing to the predominating running strength of 
the offense on their left side, the defensive right 
wingback is called upon to support his end on 
all plays run in his direction. He, therefore, 
plays somewhat nearer the scrimmage line than 
the left wingback, whose main duty is to watch 
for a forward pass until he is certain that it is 
not forthcoming, after which he should assist 
his second line in preventing gains by rushing. 
The wing halfbacks are known as the third line 
of defense. 

The remaining player, the fourth line of defense, 
is placed from twenty to thirty yards in the 
rear to cope with a possible quick kick or any 
pass or rush that reaches his territory. 

[53] 



Diagram II 



Defense Formetfon B I 

X X 



El 



K X X 



o ooo 
o 
o 



)flOO 



— Q-^- 



Offense Forme 'ft on Open _ 



[54] 



Diagram II 

THE open formation is used primarily for kick- 
ing (the diagram is drawn for a left-footed 
kicker). From it, however, are run plunges, 
slants and sweeps, the last type being so for- 
midable as to cause a widening of the defense 
rush line. Forward passes of various kinds 
are also used, so that the defensive center is 
forced to fill the gap left vacant by the neces- 
sary changes in the backfield, caused by the 
threatened kick. 

Versus this open formation the defense is thus 
stretched in width and depth. If too far in 
either direction, the offense at once takes ad- 
vantage of the weak spot. Both the offense 
and defense vary considerably from the dia- 
gram in accordance with the immediate cir- 
cumstances. 



[55] 



Diagram III 





Defense 'Formation 

X 


C 




) 


X 






X 


X 


X 


El 

>C 3< *f X 




O 

o 


000600 











KJ 




Offense 


Forrr 


lati'on - 


- Loose 



[56] 



Diagram III 

THE offense have loosened the distribution of 
their team laterally in an attempt to flank the 
defensive right tackle. By this arrangement 
also they have so grouped their backfield as 
to enable them the more easily to wend their 
way through the opposing line in order to re- 
ceive forward passes. 

For this reason the defense, although sacrificing 
material strength on the primary line, are 
forced to withdraw their center rush who is 
thus able to assist his backfield not only against 
plays of this nature but also to lend much- 
needed support to the weakened scrimmage 
line. 

The third and fourth lines of defense remain un- 
changed. 



[57] 



Diagram IV 





JJefense Tcrm&ftbn D 


X 


\ 


X x 


x El 

X x * x 


*> 


O OOOOOO 
O O 

o 




o 


04J&nse F&T'ma f/'&n — \\fide. 






1 



[58] 



Diagram IV 

THE offense have now assumed a formation in 
which there remains so little rushing strength 
of a plunging nature, that the defense leave 
only the two guards and two tackles to combat 
with it. The rest of the team is so placed as 
to best cope with forward passes or wide runs. 

On account of the width of the offensive forma- 
tion it is so difficult for the defensive backfield 
to cover laterally their respective zones, that 
the defensive ends are called upon not only to 
protect the flanks against sweeps, but also to 
guard flat zones on or about the extended line 
of scrimmage, into which the offense are apt to 
make a forward pass. 

To adequately accomplish these two important 
duties, they are compelled to take station some 
five yards back of the scrimmage line. 

The backfield are thus allowed to maintain the 
same relative positions as shown in Diagram 
III. 



[59] 



II 

THE FIFTY-YEAR BATTLE BE- 
TWEEN THE OFFENSE AND 
DEFENSE 

THAT full appreciation of the tremen- 
dous developments which have been 
wrought in the game may be realized, 
let us revert to the origin of football in this 
country, follow the various changes in the play- 
ing rules, and note their effect upon the tactics 
of the offense and defense. 

Unlike the English game which for years has 
retained its most distinctive features, American 
football has shown constant advancement in new 
directions, so that at the present time it so 
abounds with innovations and new ideas as to 
be fundamentally different from that played in 
the various football epochs of the past. 

By far the most interesting aspect of football 
is the struggle between the offense and defense. 
Superiority has lain first with one then with the 
other, the reasons for which we will now trace 

[60] 



BATTLE BETWEEN OFFENSE AND DEFENSE 

from the time when the game was divorced from 
the English Rugby. In the early seventies, 
when the game was played under English rules, 
there were fifteen players on a side. There was 
no successive possession of the ball, no downs, 
no signals, no interference for the runner, and 
no penalty for failure to make distance. After 
the number of players had been reduced to 
eleven, the first American legislation was to al- 
low one team possession of the ball when an 
offensive play was to be attempted, in other 
words, an organized outlet of the scrimmage. 
In this lies the backbone around which the entire 
body of American football is attached. 

Having allowed the offense possession of the 
ball a problem soon arose as to the proper method 
of preventing what was then called the "block 
game." As there were no rules relating to the 
number of downs, or distance to be gained, it be- 
came the practice of the offense to keep the ball 
continuously in their possession, irrespective of 
the distance gained or lost, so that even if a team 
was forced behind its own goal-line, the ball was 
taken out to the twenty-five yard line, at which 
point play was resumed without penalty. 

Thus, in 1881 Yale and Princeton played a 

[61] 



FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

0-0 tie, in which Princeton had possession of the 
ball during the entire first half, making a gain 
of only ten yards in forty minutes' play. Yale 
started the second half with the ball, and never 
once relinquished it until the game was finished. 

To prevent the continuance of these tactics, 
rules were adopted in 1882, the first of which 
declared that if the offense were forced over their 
own goal-line, two points should accrue to the 
other team. More important was another rule 
which provided that the offense must, in three 
successive rushes, advance the ball five yards or 
retreat with it ten yards, failing to accomplish 
either, the ball to be surrendered to the defense. 
Not only did these rules prevent the monotonous 
tactics of the block game, but they were the 
cause of the present-day five yard lines which, 
striping the field of play, have earned for it the 
name "gridiron." 

This five-yard rule so weakened the offense 
that the rule makers about the same time abol- 
ished the English rule which forbade an offen- 
sive player to block opponents while in advance 
of the ball. Thus the last vestige of Rugby was 
cast aside, and the corner-stone of our present 
system of interference was laid. 

[62] 



BATTLE BETWEEN OFFENSE AND DEFENSE 

With this new agency at its command, the of- 
fense made great strides in strategy and tactics, 
and we find that through the adoption of signals, 
crude as they were, the defense soon crumbled 
before what were really the beginnings of an or- 
ganized attack with the attendant importance of 
the quarterback to direct it. 

In order to bolster up the defense, an inno- 
cent looking rule was passed in 1888, which 
legalized tackling the runner from the waist to 
the knees. As it turned out this low tackle in- 
troduced into the game a defensive weapon so 
powerful that the day of individual end running 
and dodging was doomed. In its stead the of- 
fensive rush-line was now contracted until the 
men stood shoulder to shoulder, and the half- 
backs were moved up to within four or five yards 
of the scrimmage line to cope with the quick 
plunges into the line that the new game required. 

Thus passed the beautiful open style of run- 
ning which is so fondly remembered by the older 
generation of today; and in its place came the 
ugly, uncouth beginnings of mass play. 

Ingenious inventions at once appeared along 
this line of tactical development. Yale utilized 
the new interference idea by sending a player 

[63] 



[64] 




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Plate XVII. (a) A FINE PIECE 
OF INTERFERENCE 

THE upper picture (taken from sidelines) shows 
the offense sweeping the right flank of the de- 
fense. Right end has been completely over- 
powered by interference and may be seen on 
the ground. Two more inter ferers are now 
assailing the defensive right tackle who has so 
far been able to keep laterally abreast of the 
runner. By the use of his left hand, he rids 
himself of the first interferer who is using his 
right arm illegally, but the second knocks him 
clean off his feet, as is shown in lower picture 
taken a second later from a higher eleva- 
tion. 

(b) 

Note how much more comprehensive the lower 
picture is. The defensive right end is still on 
the ground, the right tackle is approaching it 
rapidly, but the second line of defense looms 
up ominously and will tackle the runner on the 
chalk line between the two. 

Man with white hat on sideline evidently bears 
malice against someone. 

Centre College vs. Harvard 1920. 



[65] 



FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH If 

through the line in advance of the runner, com- 
monplace now, but irresistible when first dis- 
closed. Princeton, equally constructive, devised 
the play now familiarly known as "boxing the 
tackle." Simple now, but surprisingly formid- 
able when first used against Yale in 1888. The 
defense soon met these innovations by placing 
a halfback, who before stood ten or fifteen yards 
from the scrimmage line, immediately behind 
each tackle, thus presenting a new invention 
called the "secondary defense," which was the 
beginning of the co-operative relationship be- 
tween the defensive halfbacks and the line, which 
in turn accelerated the detailed development 
of position play and rush-line tactics. 

During this period the game opened with the 
time-honored "kick-off," such as is in vogue to- 
day, but the rules then did not stipulate the 
distance which the ball must be kicked, This 
loophole was eventually utilized by some strate- 
gist at Princeton, who instead of kicking the 
ball well down the field as was the custom, merely 
touched it with his foot, thus meeting the tech- 
nical requirements of the rule, and then passed 
it to another of his side for a rush. The for- 
mation used for this play resembled a V, with 

[66] 



BATTLE BETWEEN OFFENSE AND DEFENSE 

the runner within the wedge thus formed. Al- 
though this play was, of course, formidable, its 
ultimate strength was not disclosed until the 
opening of the second half of the Harvard- Yale 
game in 1892. Yale had begun the game with 
the orthodox wedge play, but when Harvard's 
turn came in the second half, instead of the 
players grouping near the ball as heretofore, the 
two sides of the V in groups of five men, took 
station fifteen yards to the rear and well toward 
each sideline. One man was left in control of 
the ball, who, when all was ready, waved his hand 
and the two sections started on the run, so con- 
verging as to form at the time they reached him 
a perfect "flying wedge." Meanwhile the ball 
remained upon the ground, thus preventing the 
defense from advancing beyond the restraining 
line until the last moment, when it was legally 
put into play and passed to a player within the 
walls of the V. The Yale line was naturally 
overwhelmed by the weight and speed of this 
play, and had not the runner tripped over one of 
his interferers at Yale's twenty yard line, he 
would have undoubtedly scored a touchdown. 
No innovation has ever been devised as spec- 
tacular or sensational as this play. Having been 

[67] 



Plate XVIII. (a) CLEVER DE- 
FENSIVE METHODS 

IN the upper picture, an offensive sweep around 
the left flank of the defense is well under way, 
with three interferers ahead of the runner. 
One is in contract with defensive player (1), 
another appears to have the advantage of 
player (2), while a third is aiming intently for 
player (3) and player (4) is not abreast of the 
runner. It would, therefore, appear as if the 
offense were on the threshold of a good gain. 

(b) 
HOWEVER, the lower picture of the same 
play, taken less than "two steps" later, shows 
a decided change of completion. To be sure 
the runner has advanced a whole yard, but 
player (1) maltreated the interferer (now 
stretched on the ground) who was menacing 
him. Player (2), by using his hands on the 
body and head of his opponent, is now free from 
him. Player (3) has wisely kept on the out- 
side of the runner and although he is about to 
receive the full shock of an interferer, he 
caused the runner to turn in, where he was met 
by player (2), the very man who a second ago 
appeared to be out of the play. No doubt 
player (A) would have tackled the runner, but 
then again he might not. 

Centre College vs. Harvard 1920. 
[68] 



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FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

perfected in secret practice it came as a total 
surprise to all except the Harvard team, and for 
years after spectators have vainly looked for 
some similar sensation. 

To this one play can be attributed all of the 
so-called "momentum-mass plays" which there- 
after rapidly came into vogue. The new pos- 
sibilities thus revealed soon took the form of 
"flying interference' ' from scrimmage formation, 
wherein the majority of the offensive side started 
before the ball was put in play to act as interfer- 
ence for the runner. So overwhelmingly power- 
ful were these offensive principles that in 1896 the 
Rules Committee wisely abolished them entirely. 

Although stripped of its strongest weapon of 
attack the offense was not long in devising plays, 
the salient feature of which was hiding the run- 
ner in a mass of players who formed a "revolving 
wedge," usually on tackle. The exact outlet was 
left to the judgment of the runner, who, follow- 
ing "the line of least resistance," was often un- 
wound into a clear field. In order to add more 
power and deception the offense began the with- 
drawal of first one and then several line men to 
re-inforce the backfleld. 

The most successful offense of this type, pro- 

[70] 



BATTLE BETWEEN OFFENSE AND DEFENSE 

duced at Pennsylvania in the early nineties, was 
called "guards back." This system, which was 
the first of what was termed "a steam roller" at- 
tack, held sway over the defense with eminent 
success for several years. Harvard, however, in 
1898 finally overcame this style of attack by add- 
ing one of their defensive halfbacks to the rush- 
line, which was thus able to envelop the forma- 
tion before the runner reached the line of scrim- 
mage. In 1900, Yale, recognizing the funda- 
mental weakness of the guards back formation, 
modified it so that it was not vulnerable from the 
flanks, and thus came to the game the wonder- 
ful "tackle back" system of play. In 1901, Har- 
vard, not to be outdone, added deception to the 
power of this formation, and once again the de- 
fense lay helpless before the grinding process of 
mass play. 

During the succeeding years, variations of this 
type of offense produced so many injuries to 
players that in response to an insistent public 
demand the Rules Committee in 1906 took dras- 
tic measures toward cleaning house of all kinds 
of mass plays, by restricting the number and 
positions of such players as were not on the line 
of scrimmage when the ball was put in play. 

[71] 



FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

Not only was the offense thus stripped of all 
real rushing power, but it was called upon to 
gain ten yards in four tries as against the pre- 
vious five yards in three tries. 

As compensation for the loss incurred two 
wholly new offensive features were by law intro- 
duced into the game — the forward pass and the 
onside kick, but both were surrounded by so 
many complicated restrictions that neither was 
seriously considered as an integral part of the 
offensive scheme. Yet the Committee naturally 
thought that the defensive tackles would be re- 
lieved from the weight of the rushing game. It 
so turned out, however, that the wing halfbacks 
were forced to give up their support to the rush- 
line and station themselves ten yards to the rear 
in order to cover the forward pass zones. Taking 
advantage of this fact the offense learned, in 
succeeding years, that linemen could be utilized 
in assisting the runner by pulling him along after 
he had reached the line of scrimmage. Thus, in 
1909, we find a system of mass plays as deadly 
as its predecessors. In reality, then, it was the 
"threat" of a pass which defeated the aims for 
which the forward pass was introduced. 

However, rather than give up this salient arm 

[72] 



BATTLE BETWEEN OFFENSE AND DEFENSE 

of attack, the Committee in 1910 went to the 
core of the trouble, and prohibited any bodily as- 
sistance to the runner. In consequence of the 
check thus abruptly placed on the offense, scor- 
ing through the medium of the rushing game was 
all but stopped and the forward pass and onside 
kick were of such a haphazard nature that al- 
though advances were possible in the middle por- 
tion of the field, yet the offense was left without 
the punch necessary to carry the ball over the 
goal-line. It was during this trying period that 
the offense, in dire need of a play which would 
supply this deficiency, resurrected the drop kick, 
and made of it the prime scoring play. 

During 1910 and 1911 it was apparent the of- 
fense had been stripped of too much power, so 
the Rules Committee was once more called upon 
to restore the proper balance to the game. Fear- 
ful of strengthening the rushing game directly, 
lest mass plays should again appear, they wisely 
directed their attention in 1912 towards bolster- 
ing up the offense through the medium of the 
forward pass, which was then made a practical 
weapon by removing the complicated restrictions 
which surrounded it, and in order that it could 
be used more successfully as a scoring play, a 

[73] 



FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

zone of ten yards was created beyond the goal 
line in which a forward pass could legally be 
completed as a touchdown. 

Not only has this proved feasible, but on ac- 
count of the constant threat of a forward pass, 
the secondary defense are subtly held at arm's 
length, thus allowing the rushing game to share 
again its proper proportion of ground gained. 

Throughout the vicissitudes of the rushing 
game, caused by the ever-changing rules, the art 
of kicking has always remained the back-bone 
of the offense. 

To be sure the rule which allowed the direct 
pass from centre to kicker naturally so reduced 
the period of time from the snap of the ball 
till the actual kick took place as to make it far 
more difficult for the defense to block both punts 
and drop-kicks. Also the methods of protect- 
ing the kicker against the onrush of the defensive 
line were vastly improved by a contraction of 
the offensive line, thus forming an impenetrable 
wall of players and the proper utilization of the 
other backs in warding off the opposing ends and 
tackles. 

Still another indirect method of protecting the 
kicker lay in the adoption of "fake kicks" (a 

[74] 



BATTLE BETWEEN OFFENSE AND DEFENSE 

pretense of a kick developing into either a 
plunge, slant or sweep) which caused the defense 
to hesitate before committing themselves blindly 
towards the kicker's foot. Contained in these 
plays were the beginnings of the so-called 
"threats" which became still more effective after 
the introduction of the forward pass and which 
today are the basis of holding the defense in 
check until the offensive maneuver is well under 
way. 

Hence, instead of the constantly recurring 
blocked kicks of the early nineties ( in the Prince- 
ton-Harvard game of 1895 there were eight 
kicks blocked during the game) only on rare oc- 
casions does a well-drilled team of the present 
day experience this humiliation. For example, 
in 1909 Yale blocked a punt in the Harvard 
game, but from that time Harvard's kicking 
game was so perfected that not a single punt 
was blocked in a championship contest until the 
Princeton game of 1920. 

However, in individual skill the old-timers 
were as good, if not better than the present gen- 
eration. Such men as Moffat who punted with 
either foot and who scored several drop-kicks 
while on the run are not to be equalled to- 

[75] 



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Plate XXI. A FINGERNAIL 
TACKLE 

(a) 

THE upper picture shows offense advancing 
from right to left. The play started as a wide 
slant on defensive right tackle, but the runner 
(1), seeing a large hole inside this point, de- 
cided to take advantage of it and is now in the 
act of changing his direction for this purpose. 
However, defensive player (2), by digging his 
heel in the ground, abruptly changed his di- 
rection also, but in tackling the runner he 
failed to obtain a firm hold, the true nature of 
which can be seen in the lower picture, which 
was snapped a second later. 

(b) 

AND yet he maintained his "fingernail" grip 
and, had not others of the defense come to his 
aid, would have actually downed the runner 
single-handed. Had this tackle been missed, 
the runner, who had already "reversed" the op- 
posing backfield, stood a good chance, by con- 
tinuing to his right, of crossing the opponents' 
goal line, which is only seven paltry yards 
ahead of him. 

Yale vs. Harvard 1921. 



[77] 



FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

day. Such kickers as Bull, Butterworth, Traf- 
ford, Brooke, O'Day, Kernan, Coy and Felton 
showed such marked superiority over their op- 
ponents that the punt was used not only to kick 
their teams out of their own territory but, by a 
continuance of the same tactics, to reach a point 
well within the opponents' territory (sometimes 
referred to as "scoring distance") when the rush- 
ing game for the first time was brought into 
action. 

Those were the days when the punting duel be- 
tween two evenly-matched kickers was the out- 
standing feature of the game. It was not un- 
usual for each team to punt eighteen to twenty 
times, hoping not only to outdistance its oppo- 
nents but to cause a " break" by recovering a 
muffed punt. Many a championship game was 
won or lost on this point alone and as many more 
through the imperfect performance of the kicker. 
Great responsibility then rested upon the punter 
who was to a football team what a pitcher is to 
a baseball team today. 

Since the standardization of the present game, 
referred to later, there has been a decadence in 
the art of punting. This has been caused by the 
increased use of the forward pass which because 

[78] 



BATTLE BETWEEN OFFENSE AND DEFENSE 

of its importance has usurped the time devoted 
heretofore to the training of punters with cor- 
responding deterioration of effective results. To 
sum up, then: whereas punting used to be 
a full half of the offensive strength, now it rep- 
resents less than one third of its collective power. 

In the art of drop -kicking, however, there has 
been a distinct tendency towards increased skill. 
Although a few of the old-timers made notable 
records as drop -kickers there were in later years 
many games lost for want of a reliable drop- 
kicker. The writer can well remember the games 
between Yale and Harvard in 1897 and 1899 
both of which resulted in 0-0 ties, because Har- 
vard missed easy chances for field goals in each 
game. He can also recall even more vividly 
Kennard's goal from the field in the Yale-Har- 
vard game of 1908 which was the only score of 
the game. 

As has already been stated the rules of 
1910-11, under which scoring by rushing was all 
but prohibitive, acted as an incentive to the drop- 
kick which reached its climax in the perform- 
ances of Brickley in 1912-13. Although his 
record was extraordinary yet it was somewhat 
magnified by the fact that in those days the per- 

[79] 



Plate XXII. THE ELUSIVE 
PIGSKIN 

(a) 

IN attempting to rush from their own twenty 
yard line, the offense (playing from left to 
right) fumbled the ball, which it would seem 
(in the top picture) was about to be recovered 
by either of the offensive players who are near- 
est it. 

(b) 

BOTH dived for it at the same time and in so 
doing interfered with each other so that the 
ball eluded them and bounced merrily back- 
wards toward their goal line, with four defen- 
sive players (Y) hot upon its trail (see mid- 
dle picture). 'Note also a burly form (black 
arrow) which happens to be the offensive left 
guard, sitting on the ground. 

(c) 
THE bottom picture, snapped perhaps a second 
later, shows one of the defense actually reach- 
ing for the ball, with the other three rapidly 
approaching. The burly form appears to be 
leisurely rising from his sitting posture. But 
history relates that in spite of repeated and 
frantic efforts by all four of the defense to 
pick up the ball, it remained free from their 
grasp and continued its elusive antics until the 
burly form (referred to above) pounced on it 
at a point some ten yards distant from where 
he is last portrayed. 

Harvard vs. Yale 1921. 
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[81] 



FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

sistent use of the drop-kick as a means of scor- 
ing was somewhat of an innovation. Nowadays 
most teams have drop-kickers, either as regulars 
or as substitutes, all of whom are remarkably 
consistent in their performances. 

The drop-kick taken in conjunction with the 
beautiful forward passes or rushes which ensue 
from a threatened kick are today an integral 
part of every well-devised offense. 

How well the rule makers did their work in 
1912 may be better appreciated by the state- 
ment that with minor exceptions no changes have 
been necessary since that time. The mere fact 
that the principal rules have remained unchanged 
has had an enormous effect, not only in popu- 
larizing, but also in standardizing the game. 
Whereas a dozen years ago the large stadia at 
Harvard and elsewhere were filled only on the 
occasions of championship games, it is a question 
now how to accommodate the enormous crowds 
which swarm to their fields on each succeeding 
Saturday. The increase in popularity of the 
game is due to two causes. 

First, the small colleges, or those which here- 
tofore had not been prominent in football, in 
many cases have obtained the services of a com- 

[82] 



BATTLE BETWEEN OFFENSE AND DEFENSE 

petent coach, so versed in the proper principles 
and methods of play as to develop a team as 
good, and better than many of the so-called 
leading colleges. Thus, the mid-season games 
between large and small colleges often develop 
into close contests which not infrequently end 
with the defeat of the larger college. The old 
days, when it was a disgrace to be scored upon, 
or even to lose a game, are gone. Accordingly, 
the very evenness of the contest is pleasing to 
the spectators. 

Second, by far the most popular feature of to- 
day's game is the frequency and increased skill 
in the use of the forward pass. So potent a fac- 
tor is it that already protests are heard that it 
should be curbed in some degree. Yet, from the 
spectator's point of view, its use has opened the 
game enormously. People can really see what 
is going on, and because of its long gaining qual- 
ities, it adds greatly to the excitement. 

The standardization of the game has given 
coaches throughout the country time to distin- 
guish between sound and unsound methods of 
play, the result being that very little bad strat- 
egy is consistently pursued at any of the col- 
leges. The good coaches are content to perfect 

[88] 



FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

the known qualities of offense and defense, rather 
than attempt to "upset the apple-cart" by some 
untried method of attack. 

The most radical departure from the beaten 
path occurred during 1914, at Yale, when an 
adaptation of the Canadian or Rugby principle 
of the lateral pass was introduced. Until the 
final game was played, this system of attack 
swept the defense off their feet, but Harvard 
devised a defense wherein only four men were 
stationed on the line of scrimmage, the other 
seven being so placed as to cope not only with 
the lateral but forward passes which had baffled 
Yale's other opponents. In spite of suffering 
a 36-0 defeat, Yale on two occasions had the ball 
within Harvard's five-yard line, proving the un- 
usu'al ground-gaining qualities of this scheme 
of attack. 

'Contributory to a better calibre of play is the 
fact that, allowing for three years of school 
experience, there have been three football gen- 
erations, all playing under the same set of rules, 
the result being that the incoming varsity players 
have far better groundwork and higher tech- 
nique than ever before. Furthermore, the pres- 
ent game calls for a far more athletic type of 

[84] 



BATTLE BETWEEN OFFENSE AND DEFENSE 

player than in the old days, because the back- 
field and the ends must be adept in handling for- 
ward passes, and the other linemen are called 
upon to cover more territory than heretofore. 
Hence, the two-hundred pound fat boy is fast 
disappearing, and in his place appear strong, 
versatile athletes who must of all things be pos- 
sessed with that quality best described as ability 
to handle themselves with dexterity and even 
grace. 

Coincident with the increase in skill of coach 
and player, there has developed a competent 
corps of officials who have also greatly benefited 
by the continuance of the same rules. No one 
factor has done more for the game than these 
fearless, fair-minded officials. They have im- 
posed law and order upon the game, not only 
by virtue of their thorough knowledge of the 
rules, but also by their dominant personality on 
the field of play. 

From a scholastic view-point, a great major- 
ity of colleges bar from varsity athletics those stu- 
dents who are on probation, or delinquent in any 
of their duties toward the college office. Closely 
allied to this rule is the one year resident rule, 
which bars not only freshmen, but those who have 

[85] 



FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

transferred from other colleges. These rules 
should be adopted by all institutions of learn- 
ing. Certain universities also debar those stu- 
dents who are enrolled in any of the so-called 
graduate departments, leaving eligible for var- 
sity teams only sophomores, juniors, and seniors 
of the Academic Department. Many people 
are deceived by the total enrollment of a college, 
as to the number of men who are actually eligible 
to represent it in athletics. Thus, Harvard with 
over 5000 students has between fifteen and six- 
teen hundred eligible for varsity teams. Yale, 
with less total enrollment, has about the same 
number, while Princeton, with a much smaller 
body, has between thirteen and fourteen hundred 
students from which to choose. On the other 
hand, Cornell has over four thousand students 
eligible for varsity teams, and some of the west- 
ern colleges even a greater number. 

Although there is no universal code of eligibil- 
ity rules for all and a consequent inequality of 
standards between various colleges, yet there is 
a marked improvement in the ethical code of ath- 
letics in all colleges and schools throughout the 
country. On the whole, then, although there is 
still a tendency at certain institutions of learn- 

[86] 



BATTLE BETWEEN OFFENSE AND DEFENSE 

ing to capitalize football for commercial and 
publicity purposes, yet politically, ethically and 
athletically, the game is at present conducted 
upon sane and sound principles, destined to be 
maintained for many years to come. 



[871 






Ill 

PRE-SEASON PREPARATION 



FOR FORTY YEARS Germany plan- 
ned her attack on France, convinced 
that as a result of her careful prepara- 
tions she could crush her adversary within a few 
months. Not only did she mobilize in an in- 
credibly short space of time a vastly superior 
number of troops and equipment, but her strat- 
egy, based on illegal tactics, i. e., the invasion 
of neutral Belgium, gave her through the ele- 
ment of surprise the tremendous advantage of 
the initiative. By these means she all but gained 
her objective, or in football parlance, the goal 
line. 

At the larger universities one football season 
begins the day after the last season ends. This 
may seem an exaggerated statement, but few 
people realize the amount of preparation neces- 
sary in order to be "there" for the final game of 
the season. This expression is a term to denote 
complete fitness and is here used to include the 
[88] 



PRE-SEASON PREPARATION 

managerial, as well as the physical phases per- 
taining to the .game. 

To this end it is of the utmost importance to 
decide upon a head coach who should at once 
obtain complete data relative to the past season 
while this information is still fresh in the minds 
of those who have had charge. Only in this 
way may the pitfalls of the past be properly 
guarded against for the future. Treading upon 
the heels of this all-important work comes the 
election of a new captain and a manager, who at 
once undertakes to arrange a suitable schedule 
of games for the following autumn. Unless 
older heads are consulted in this matter serious 
mistakes may be made, because a thorough 
knowledge of the prospective playing strength, 
together with the methods employed by the pro- 
posed opponents, must be considered and bal- 
anced with the material which will be available 
for the home team. 

One of the fine influences of football and other 
varsity sports upon all candidates is an honor sys- 
tem which exists regarding their scholastic stand- 
ing at the college office. At all colleges and 
schools of good standing a student who is de- 
ficient in his studies is barred from representing 

[89] 



FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

his school in all athletic endeavors. Hence, it 
devolves upon the captains and managers of the 
various teams to supervise the scholastic work of 
all students who may be of value to their re- 
spective sports. When the number of students 
engaged in athletics is considered, these duties 
of the captain may appear to be onerous, but a 
realization has taken root among the students 
that to fail mentally at the college office is as dis- 
graceful as breaking training physically. Thus 
all students who have the honor of being "listed" 
for any sport have an added incentive to keep up 
to the mark in their college studies. 

At some time during each winter, representa- 
tives of the leading colleges meet for the purpose 
of regulating the rules which govern the game 
of football. As has been seen in a former chap- 
ter, the game so abounds with new methods of 
play and innovations that it is necessary to keep 
careful watch, lest, through the ingenuity of 
some coach, certain tactics be introduced which 
would wreck the delicate balance of strength be- 
tween the offense and defense. 

It is amazing how many carefully worded rules 
are required to cope with the exigencies of the 
game. A perusal of the Rule Book will confirm 

[90] 



PRE-SEASON PREPARATION 

this statement, but in spite of the untiring efforts 
of the Rules Committee most unexpected things 
have happened on the field of play. Perhaps the 
most peculiar incident transpired twice on the 
same day, in two different games. In each case, 
the kicker, in attempting a drop kick from scrim- 
mage, "half topped" the ball, which just cleared 
the opposing scrimmage lines, rolled along the 
ground and then proceeded to bounce up and 
over the cross-bar of the goal post. At that 
time there was nothing in the rules which cov- 
ered such exotic behavior of the ball. So the 
officials decided a field goal had taken place, 
which in one case won the game for Princeton 
over Dartmouth by a score of 3 to 0. It is per- 
haps needless to add that the wording of the rule 
has since been changed to prevent a score result- 
ing from a similar occurrence. 

A memorable play, involving doubtful ethics, 
took place some years ago in a game between 
Harvard and the Carlisle Indians. Carlisle re- 
ceived the kick-off and the whole team gathered 
about the player who caught the ball. Behind 
this screen the ball was quickly tucked under a 
jersey, fitted with elastic bands for the purpose, 
on the back of another player. The group then 

[91] 



FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

scattered, and the man carried the concealed 
ball unmolested through the entire Harvard 
team for a touchdown. 

To show to what extremes unscrupulous 
coaches will go, the following incident which act- 
ually took place during a game will suffice. At 
the beginning of the second half, the team whose 
turn it was to receive the kick-off took position 
with only ten men in uniform. The eleventh 
player, dressed in civilian attire, which included 
derby hat and pipe, was naturally not observed 
by opponents or officials, as he casually paced up 
and down the sidelines. After the kick-off was 
run back, on the first play from scrimmage, a 
forward pass was thrown to this individual, who 
meanwhile had stepped within the field of play 
and thus complied with all the requisites of the 
rules. Being totally unaware of his presence as 
a player, the defense naturally left unprotected 
the territory in his vicinity, with the result that 
he ran some forty yards before he was overtaken 
by one of the unsuspecting defense. He then 
doffed his hat and pipe, stripped off his civilian 
clothing, and emerged in the regular uniform of 
his team. 
[92] 



PRE-SEASON PREPARATION 

Through a subsidiary of the Rules Committee, 
called the Central Board, officials are furnished 
for practically all the important games, thus sav- 
ing an enormous amount of work for the various 
colleges involved, to say nothing of avoiding 
petty wrangles between narrow-minded coaches. 
All told, then, the work and influence of the 
rule makers is of inestimable value to the proper 
and efficient conduct of the game. 

In the spring, then, the coach finds himself 
with a set of rules already established, and a 
series of games arranged with suitable officials 
for each. The next question is who are going to 
play on the various teams, who are to act as as- 
sistant coaches and upon what lines is the cam- 
paign to be conducted. 

The value of spring practice is a much-mooted 
question. At small colleges and schools, where 
the number of candidates is small and a sufficient 
number of coaches is lacking, it is questionable 
if any marked advantage accrues; but at the 
larger colleges where from one hundred to one 
hundred and fifty candidates report, spring prac- 
tice is an annual custom. Briefly, the objects 
are: — 

[93] 



FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

1. To familiarize players with the rules and 
fundamentals of the game, and with the func- 
tions of the individual. 

2. To acquaint the coaches with the ability and 
character of the material at hand. 

3. To experiment with whatever offensive and 
defensive theories the coaches deem worthy of 
consideration. 

Spring practice usually lasts from three weeks 
to a month, and the results accomplished are: — 

1. Added experience for the players and an 
opportunity for the incoming management to 
familiarize themselves with their various duties. 

2. Grading of material, which is of great value 
when the season proper begins in the autumn. 

3. Thorough conviction by the coaches that 
the great majority of plays which appear effec- 
tive on paper are in practice fit only for the ash- 
barrel. 

During the summer months it is hard to con- 
tinue concerted action, but the head coach is al- 
ways a busy man during this period. It is al- 
ways extremely difficult to obtain voluntary 
coaches for the first part of the season. The 
"loyal graduate" will gladly lend his assistance 
just prior to the final games, but he is of far 

[94] 



PRE-SEASON PREPARATION 

greater value during the early stages of develop- 
ment. In impressing this fact on the men whom 
he wants, the coach must show great tact and 
much perseverance. 

His greatest task, however, lies in sorting data 
relative to offensive and defensive methods which 
he has accumulated from time to time from vari- 
ous sources of information. This work requires 
a vast amount of time and logical thinking; but 
the wise coach will determine upon his offensive 
and defensive plays at this time, when his judg- 
ment is clear and untrammeled by the many sug- 
gestions which will always be offered during the 
heat of the season. 

For example, there is always the much-mooted 
question whether a quarterback should play in 
his regular position, linked to the center rush, 
or as one of the halfbacks in a so-called four-man 
backfield. There have always been two schools 
of thought in this matter. One objects to the 
quarterback's removal because many clever plays, 
such as a quick dive by the quarterback through 
center, delayed plunges, and certain plays which 
involve hidden passes, can be used only when he 
plays his regular position. Again, if the quar- 
terback is removed the ball is no longer weaved 

[95] 



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FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

from center through the quarterback and 
handed into the lap of the back for his line 
plunge. Moreover, the man best suited for 
quarterback seems to be brainy rather than 
brawny and to possess a personality which can- 
not fail to impress his adversaries, as he stands 
giving his signals above his center and almost 
upon the line of his opponents. 

On the other hand, it is argued that the backs 
should be so placed that at least four are capable 
of alternating in the running attack, threatening 
a more varied attack from a regular formation. 
By this formation more effective interference can 
be brought to bear at different points, and greater 
weight is added to the backfield. This school 
of reasoning maintains that there is no more 
fumbling under this arrangement than when the 
ball goes through the quarterback; but they fail 
to recognize the terrible disaster which a mistake 
in signals entails. If it so happens that the 
backs start, or the center passes in the wrong 
direction, the ball probably goes through the en- 
tire backfield and rolls merrily towards the offen- 
sive team's goal line with little chance of recov- 
ery. 

Other questions which may well be decided at 

[98] 



PRE-SEASON PREPARATION 

this time are : — Whether to play one defensive 
player or two in the extreme backfield to handle 
punts. The employment of two men lessens the 
danger of losing the ball, but at the same time 
weakens the second line of defense. Shall the 
defensive ends sacrifice themselves to break up the 
interference well back of the line of scrimmage, 
or shall they keep their feet, merely hamper the 
speed of the play, and endeavor themselves to 
tackle the runner? Shall the defensive forma- 
tions of the team be ordered by signal or left to 
the application of a few general rules? 

These considerations merely indicate how much 
preliminary spade-work must be done; and can 
best be done in the summer. When the season 
begins, the wise coach has already decided on a 
definite outline of his entire autumn campaign. 



[99] 



IV 
THE CAMPAIGN 

THE FOOTBALL season proper is a 
race against time. Its duration is ap- 
proximately ten weeks, but allowing for 
seven or eight games there remains only time 
enough for some fifty practice sessions, which 
average not over two hours daily. It follows 
that the total time allowed a coach to carry out 
his program of preparation is roughly one hun- 
dred hours. 

The training of a varsity crew, which involves 
autumn practice as well as three to four months' 
trial in the spring, resolves itself into teaching 
eight men to perform the same thing some seven 
hundred times (for a four-mile race) at the 
same time and in the same way. The author 
fully appreciates the difficulties which beset the 
crew coach, but in contrast to the comparatively 
simple program of the crew let us consider the 
problem of teaching a varsity football team. 
Thirty or forty players must be taught to exe- 
[100] 



THE CAMPAIGN 

cute between twenty and thirty different offen- 
sive maneuvers most of which may be run from 
three to five different formations, in which each 
player does something different in each play. 
The program is further complicated by a plan 
of defense which entails from four to seven sep- 
arate team formations in which the duties of the 
various individuals differ radically. Moreover, 
during the course of the season both offensive 
and defensive assignments are often changed in 
order to meet the varying styles of play of the 
different opponents encountered. However, the 
crux of a course in football lies in drilling a team 
so intensively in the theory of tactics that each 
individual will instinctively select the correct 
move at the right time according to the existing 
circumstances. 

What, then, is the best procedure to accomplish 
these results in ten short weeks? Mention has 
been made of the difficulty of obtaining volun- 
tary coaches for the outset of the season. Many 
and competent men are needed at this time to as- 
sist in sorting and grading the material, which at 
the larger colleges often numbers one hundred 
and fifty candidates. 

That there may be no conflict of ideas among 

[101] 



FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

the coaches, regular meetings are held throughout 
the season, for purposes of discussion and instruc- 
tion by the head coach. An eminent football 
strategist once said that forty percent, of the ef- 
fectiveness of a certain Harvard team was due 
to the proper coaching of the coaches. This is 
not obtained without protracted discussions and 
heated arguments, but with the observance of 
certain parliamentary decorum which all sensible 
coaches respect. The author attended one foot- 
ball session which lasted from seven p. m., until 
two A. m. Adjournment then took place until 
ten a. m. next day, when the meeting continued 
until eleven o'clock that night. During that time 
there was no deviation from the subject of "offen- 
sive line methods." As a result of the delibera- 
tions certain decisions were reached which had a 
marked bearing on the successes of Harvard 
teams for many years. 

A coaching corps being organized, the next 
step is to get the candidates into such physical 
condition that they can stand the wear and tear 
of daily scrimmages. This stage may be termed 
the period of the individual, because all effort is 
directed toward drilling each player in the art 
of quick starting, handling and falling on the 

[102] 



THE CAMPAIGN 

ball, tackling, interfering, blocking and break- 
ing through for the linemen, kicking and passing 
for the backs and ends. 

Gradually a semblance of team play emerges 
from this chaos. The quarterbacks and centers 
link together, and combine with a backfield. Fi- 
nally, a team is completed by the addition of a set 
of linemen. These impromptu elevens are fur- 
nished with simple signals and a sufficient number 
of plays to indulge finally in short scrimmages 
with each other. After a thorough try-out of all 
candidates in the fundamentals and simpler forms 
of team evolutions, the material is divided tenta- 
tively into varsity and second squads. The men, 
retained in the former group number about forty 
players, consisting of three centers, six guards, 
six tackles, eight ends, four quarterbacks, and 
twelve other backs. In this way three complete 
elevens can practice separately, with a fourth 
"skeleton team" left over, — a quarterback, three 
backs, and two ends, with perhaps an assistant 
manager to act as center. The objects of re- 
taining so many men on the first squad are, first, 
because sickness and injuries make serious inroads 
into the ranks when hard scrimmages and games 
begin, and, second, because frequent substitution 

[103] 



FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

is necessary, both for the physical welfare of the 
men and in order that the coaches may judge of 
the ability of all of the players. Moreover, this 
plan maintains keen competition throughout the 
season. 

The second squad is organized along similar 
lines, having its own coaches, signals, and plays, 
and a separate schedule of games. In order that 
no player of promise shall be overlooked the sec- 
ond squad is kept intact throughout the season. 
It is divided into teams A and B, each having 
a full set of substitutes for each position. Al- 
though there are constant changes in the person- 
nel, the total roster will probably average fifty 
players. Besides the varsity squad and the sec- 
ond squad there is also a freshman squad, which 
starts the season with practically the whole fresh- 
man class as candidates and is gradually reduced 
to about fifty men, organized on the same lines 
as the varsity and second squads. The sum total 
of the three units is about one hundred and fifty 
men, who are actively engaged in football 
throughout the entire season. The coaching 
policy of all three squads should be under the 
supervision of the head coach. 

Not infrequently a player who shows unex- 

[104] 



THE CAMPAIGN 

pected ability is promoted from the "scrubs" to 
the varsity squad. It often happens that some 
players "show" well at first, but cannot stand the 
mental and physical strain of the season. Others 
flourish on hard work and seem to possess the 
ability to perform at their best when under stress. 
It therefore behooves the coach to study con- 
stantly the characteristics and personalities of the 
candidates. In some cases, if a player is of rec- 
ognized skill, it is well to treat him leniently and 
to encourage him, in order to instill and maintain 
self-confidence. In utter contrast, others have to 
be driven at all times to bring out their latent pos- 
sibilities. It is only by thus differentiating the 
treatment of individuals that the best is obtained 
from all. Herein lies a subtle factor which often 
makes or breaks a football team. 

As in the training of all other groups of hu- 
man beings for any concerted action, it is neces- 
sary to establish and maintain strict discipline 
among football players throughout the whole 
season. This not only applies to punctuality and 
a close observance of training rules, but also to 
the ingraining into each player of instantaneous 
and instinctive obedience to the word of command. 
These two adjectives have a distinct bearing on 

[105] 



FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

offensive team maneuvers. It is comparatively 
easy to teach a team to start in unison at the snap 
of the ball, or, if a starting signal is used, on the 
proper number; but it takes weeks of intensive 
rehearsing to reach a stage of development where 
each player performs his various assignments 
subconsciously. This asset is of particular value 
in the final games of the season when the atmos- 
phere of excitement and noise of the cheering 
tend to distract the player's attention and when 
physical exhaustion dulls his brain and prevents 
quick reflexes. If, however, the subconscious 
mind has been sufficiently impressed by previous 
training, it will respond instinctively, with na- 
tural speed and precision. For example, players 
have been known to have no recollection of the 
last part of a bitterly contested game, yet they 
played in perfect form until the final whistle 
blew. Again, a player is sometimes struck on 
the head, sustaining a mild concussion; and al- 
though he is unable to answer simple questions 
which do not pertain to his immediate duties his 
subconscious mind holds him to a surprisingly 
accurate execution of his various tasks. 

A dress-parade by the cadets at West Point is 
the most perfect co-ordination of human units 

[106] 



THE CAMPAIGN 

the author has ever witnessed. The complicated 
maneuvers are executed with such precision that 
the eye can scarcely discern that the battalion is 
composed of human individuals ; yet, upon being 
questioned as to the amount of work necessary 
to obtain such perfection, a cadet answered, 
"Yes, we have to drill a good deal to get every- 
thing just right; but I am now so used to the 
various moves and commands that I spend my 
time during dress-parade rehearsing my part in 
the play we are giving next month." So the 
football player must learn his tasks so thoroughly 
as to perform them subconsciously. This leaves 
his conscious mind free to cope with the unfore- 
seen exigencies which occur constantly during a 
game. 

Because of the short time in which so much 
must be learned, there is grave danger that the 
players may be given more than they can assim- 
ilate. The coach, who has probably had years of 
experience in studying as well as playing the 
game, is apt to assume that the players know 
more than they do. Until they are thoroughly 
versed in their assignments by repeated perform- 
ance, they may know perfectly in theory what 
they should do under certain conditions, but fail 

[107] 



FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

in their efforts to put into effect what they have 
been taught. Moreover, the fact that all candi- 
dates are working under great pressure which 
often causes them to "lose their heads" must al- 
ways be kept in mind. 

The author can vividly recollect an incident 
which occurred at Cambridge in 1908 during a 
practice scrimmage between the first and second 
elevens. It so happened that a certain man, who 
had been playing regularly for the previous 
month with the second team, had that day been 
promoted to the varsity squad. That the two 
teams might be more easily distinguished, it was 
the custom for the first team to wear red jerseys, 
and the second black. During a hot scrimmage 
the ball was fumbled and bounced directly into 
the arms of the player in question. Seeing the 
abhorrent red jerseys about him, he instinctively 
fled from them, straight for his own goal posts. 
The black- jerseyed team, recognizing his mis- 
take, promptly became his ardent interferers. 
His own team-mates, as soon as they recovered 
their senses, vainly tried to tackle him; but by 
this time the black interferers had formed such 
a perfect cordon about him that not a single com- 
rade reached him until he fell exhausted between 

[108] 



THE CAMPAIGN 

his own goal posts, scoring a safety against his 
own team. Yet that same player later in his 
college career made the varsity team. 

The coach and spectators must also realize 
that their viewpoint from the sidelines is far more 
comprehensive than the player's in the heat of 
strife. To illustrate: — One of Harvard's op- 
ponents in the early part of the season scored a 
touchdown by a play which started like an end 
run. The ball was "slipped" to another of the 
runner's side, who then made a long, diagonal 
forward pass in a direction opposite from which 
the play had started. The Harvard backfleld 
was outwitted completely and the receiver crossed 
the goal line unmolested. That the episode 
might remain vividly impressed upon the Harv- 
ard team, the author asked each player to dia- 
gram the play as it had appeared to him. Not 
a single man diagnosed the play correctly, nor 
had many of them the slightest conception of its 
details. But later in the season that same team, 
after the play had been explained and they had 
received instructions in the proper defensive 
methods against it, foiled two attempts of the 
same play by different opponents. 

Mention has been made of the fact that often- 

[109] 



FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 






times players are fed information faster than 
they can digest it. From the experience just 
related, the author next tried the experiment of 
requiring all players on the squad to diagram 
all the plays which the team was then using. 
The results were again disappointing. A great 
majority knew their own duties in the various 
plays, but only the captain and two quarterbacks 
drew the correct assignments of players other 
than themselves. It is not essential that a given 
play should be as thoroughly known as this ex- 
amination required, but far greater interest, with 
corresponding perfection of technique, is aroused 
among the players if the subject is thus studied 
in all its details. 

Should the spectator peep into the notebook of 
a football coach, he might find a schedule of a 
day's practice, as follows: 

Tuesday, October 12. Squad assembled at 
3.30 dressed in uniform. 
3.30 to 3.50, Blackboard demonstration. 

a. Additional plays No. 14 and 15 diagrammed 
and explained. 

b. Change in assignments of plays No. 5 and 

6 diagrammed and explained. 

[110] 



THE CAMPAIGN 

c. Outline and theory of defense vs. "shift 
plays." 
3.50 to 4.00, Squad at tackling dummy. 

Three tackles per man, right, left and head on. 
Accent on the man "beyond." 
4.00 to 4.15, Practice at a walk additional plays 

and change of assignments. 
4.15 to 4.30, Offensive and defensive assign- 
ments of punt and drop kick. 
4.30 to 5.00, Scrimmage teams A vs. B. Accent 

on new plays and assignments. 
5.00 to 5.30, Scrimmage team C. vs. second team. 

Accent on defenses 4 and 5. 

The nature of practice varies greatly from day 
to day. If there has been a hard game on a 
Saturday, the following Monday is usually de- 
voted to correcting the mistakes made during the 
game, with perhaps a part of the afternoon spent 
in coaching the individual. Tuesdays and Thurs- 
days are the best for hard scrimmage. On Wed- 
nesdays the great portion of the time may be 
spent on kicking and forward passing. Fridays 
are taken up with a thorough signal drill and a 
sort of dress rehearsal for the game on the follow- 
ing day. 

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[113] 



FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

It has been stated that the schedule of games 
is arranged with respect to the playing strength 
and methods employed by the various opponents. 
Emphasis should be made of the fa: that the 
preliminary games are considered by t coaches 
as merely the best means of developing a team 
for its so-called "championship" contests. The 
winning of these games is of secondary impor- 
tance. In this respect, a great deal of misunder- 
standing exists regarding the performance of 
the larger college teams in their practice games. 
It has been found good policy to play more 
evenly contested practice games than heretofore. 
For several reasons this course greatly handicaps 
the larger colleges. First, with a large squad 
much more time is required to separate the wheat 
from the chaff. Second, the great emphasis laid 
on coaching the individual retards the develop- 
ment of team play. Even in mid-season an im- 
portant team may find itself with a defense de- 
veloped only sufficiently to cope with a simple 
type of offense, and with its complete offensive 
program partly learned or kept in reserve for 
final games. 

As a rule, then, the large college team during 
this period is furnished with only that portion 

[114] 



THE CAMPAIGN 

of an offensive and defensive scheme which in 
the opinion of the coach will be sufficient to win, 
in its stride as it were, the succeeding prelimin- 
ary games. In contrast, a small college, natur- 
ally wishing to make better than a good "show- 
ing," against its big brother, "points" for this 
game by developing team play early; plan- 
ning an offense replete with "long gainers" and 
tricks, and employing field tactics which exper- 
ience has proved to involve great risks but which 
may sporadically produce good results. In 
other words, with everything to win and nothing 
to lose, the small college often upsets the apple- 
cart. 

Under these circumstances responsibility for 
defeats in mid-season should be charged to the 
coach, who should admit this fact frankly to the 
players. Overdue emphasis is sometimes placed 
upon the victories of small over large colleges. 
Usually such a victory can be traced to the mis- 
calculations by the coach of the development of 
the two teams at the date of the game, and can 
seldom be considered a criterion of the final play- 
ing strength of the respective elevens. 

In the closing weeks of the season all football 
camps resemble a colony of ants. Everywhere 

[115] 



FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

there is apparently a great deal of needless bustle 
and running about, but arrangements for big 
games require a deal of preparation. Extra 
grandstands must be built and tickets allotted to 
a demand far greater than the supply. There 
are mass meetings where unbounded enthusiasm 
is ever present. Transportation and housing 
facilities have to be improvised for the horde of 
spectators. Within the enclosure where secret 
practice is held, although all are somewhat af- 
fected by the atmosphere of excitement, perfect 
order and a determined singleness of purpose 
prevail. Coaches and players are now so 
thoroughly organized that a general "speeding 
up" of operations takes place. All concerned 
plainly show the mental and physical stress of 
the campaign, but a bond of sympathy is aroused 
wherein the power of the will predominates. 
All gloom is discarded, and in place of joy the 
mental attitude of the players is poised between 
full recognition of the enemy's strength and a 
grim determination to win. Esprit de corps dis- 
places discipline, and masters and pupils now 
form a brotherhood, working with one accord for 
a great cause. 

In such an environment, it is amazing how 

[116] 



THE CAMPAIGN 

quickly a team will develop. All groundwork 
which has been practised so patiently in early sea- 
son now forms a visible foundation upon which is 
constructed the finesse of team play. Each in- 
dividual player, now become a veteran, fits 
snugly into each offensive and defensive move; 
and the whole team, realizing of a sudden its 
completeness and strength, resembles a beauti- 
ful animal tugging at its leash, mentally alert, 
lean of body, and possessed of an indomitable 
spirit to reach its objective. 



[117] 



V 
MEDICAL ASPECT OF THE GAME 

TIME OUT," yells the referee as twenty- 
one players untangle themselves from a 
seething, struggling mass of humanity. 
The twenty-second man lies flat on the ground, 
to all outward appearances dead, while one of 
his team-mates tries to loosen his head guard 
and apply first aid. By this time the doctor is 
on the field. He takes one look at the player 
and returns to the side line, where he says to the 
head coach, "He is all right." The player 
meanwhile is still flat on his back, apparently 
just as dead as ever. You can hear the 
people in the stands saying, "He looks badly 
hurt. I wonder who will take his place?" The 
whistle blows. The man is on his feet and ready 
to resume play. What has happened? How 
did the doctor know that the man could play? 
It was all over in two minutes. 

Again the game is stopped by the whistle. 
This time our doctor is asking permission of the 
referee to go on the field. Having obtained it 

[118] 



MEDICAL ASPECT OF THE GAME 

he goes directly to one man. To the spectators 
nothing is wrong with this player yet he is com- 
ing off the field with the doctor — not, however, 
without visible protests. A substitute takes his 
place and the game goes on. 

Later in the game a player is knocked down 
by the interference. He gets up limping, tries 
to walk, and after a few seconds manages to 
hobble around, although plainly showing that he 
is suffering great physical pain. This time the 
doctor gets up from his seat, watches the man 
intently for a moment and then returns to his 
place. The game is resumed and our supposedly 
injured man shows no effects from his recent in- 
jury. Again what has happened? The man 
had apparently been badly hurt yet his actions 
now show that the doctor was right. How did 
he know that the man was not seriously injured? 
He surely gave more outward signs than did the 
other player who was removed from the game for 
no apparent cause. 

These are but three typical examples of hap- 
penings during a football game, which every 
spectator notices but in the majority of cases 
forgets. What has happened in each of these 
cases? 

[119] 



FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

In the first one the man flat on his back made 
his own diagnosis. "Just my wind, Doc." To 
make sure that it was not a blow on the head re- 
sulting in slight concussion, a few simple ques- 
tions such as, "What is the score" and "What 
period is it?" usually suffice to give an accurate 
account of the man's mental condition. It has 
been observed many times that the man who can 
tell what his injury is, and does so, is usually not 
the man who causes the doctor needless worry 
on the field. It is the player who insists that he 
is all right and refuses to admit that anything 
has happened to him that makes the doctor's 
work difficult. In the case at hand previous ex- 
perience has taught that if a player's wind is 
knocked out the injury is temporarily very un- 
comfortable but is not permanently disabling. 
A few minutes' rest is all that is necessary to ef- 
fect a complete cure. 

In the second case where the man was re- 
moved by *he doctor for no apparent cause), if 
you had been watching the man as closely as had 
the doctor you would have noticed that twice he 
had lined up in the wrong position and each 
time had to be straightened out by one of his 
team-mates. He was confused when the signals 

[120] 



MEDICAL ASPECT OF THE GAME 

were given, and did not carry out his assignments 
during the play. When the doctor asked him the 
day of the week, the score, etc., he did not know, 
but insisted he was all right. He had received a 
blow on the head. He had what is called, for the 
lack of a better term, a slight brain concussion. 
From the time he was removed from the game 
until he was in bed in the college infirmary he 
was never left alone. The following morning he 
answered all questions clearly but remembered 
only going to the field to play. He did not re- 
member the game at all, and he did not know how 
he got to the infirmary. There was a blank of 
several hours. As time passed the forgotten 
hours were accqunted for except for a few min- 
utes following his actual injury in the game. 
This period will always be a blank, but no per- 
manent injury will result. 

The third man with the limp had received a 
blow on his shin which although very painful for 
the time being is not lasting. That the man was 
able to resume play a few minutes after the in- 
jury was proof that nothing really serious had 
happened. 

The work of medical advisor to a football team 
consists of first, the actual care of the players 

[121] 



FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

during a game and the subsequent treatment of 
their injuries, and second, the supervision of 
their training. 

Throughout the game the doctor watches 
eleven individual men. He sees very little of 
the game itself. He must watch twenty-two 
legs and twenty-two arms and know at a glance 
whether a limp that suddenly develops is serious 
or not. On the field he has but two minutes to 
make his diagnosis. In this short time he must 
decide if this man can perform his duties effi- 
ciently. If allowed to continue to play will he 
injure himself still more? In answering these 
questions the doctor must always keep in mind, 
that he is responsible to the player's family and 
to the college. On no account can he allow a 
man to play after being hurt if doing so will 
cause a more serious injury. He is responsible 
to the coaches for the efficiency of the team, as 
one man physically incapacitated may lose the 
game on the next play, because he cannot fulfil 
his assignment. 

Barring the inevitable accident which is om- 
nipresent on the football field, the two chief 
causes of serious injuries are first, improper pro- 
tection from lack of padding, and second, allow- 

[122] 



MEDICAL ASPECT OF THE GAME 

ing men to continue play after they are physi- 
cally exhausted. With reference to the player's 
uniform, twelve years ago a majority of the play- 
ers wore no headguard and the amount of pad- 
ding they used was left to their own discretion. 
In contrast, at Harvard, no player since 1907 
has been allowed to scrimmage or play in a game 
without a properly fitted headguard. Further- 
more, the same rule has been applied to the pads 
which protect certain vital muscles and joints. 
The doctor personally supervises the fitting and 
use of this "armor." 

Experience has also shown that when players 
are exhausted they become prone to injuries be- 
cause they no longer have full control of their 
muscles. Therefore, during all practices and 
games the doctor carefully watches the condition 
of each player, and should be the sole judge as 
to how long he should continue to play. In this 
respect, throughout eleven years of Varsity 
coaching, the author never once thwarted the doc- 
tor's judgment. 

After every practice and game the doctor sees 
every man who has taken part. He notes in 
writing all injuries, however slight, prescribes 
treatment, and orders the injured men to report 

[123] 



FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

for further examination before the next practice. 
Each day he sees the men who have been hurt the 
day before. If they are fit to resume practice 
their names are taken off the "Injured List" ; if 
not, they are given the necessary treatment and 
the progress of recovery of the given injury is re- 
corded. 

The second part of the football doctor's work, 
the supervision of training, begins when the col- 
lege closes in June. At this time a printed list 
of instructions is sent tjp each prospective foot- 
ball player. The sum and substance of this 
pamphlet is, do not go into such training during 
the summer as to return to college down to 
weight. It is better to return overweight. 
Exercises or games that tend to increase speed 
and develop accuracy of the eye are best, such 
as tennis, squash racquets, handball, etc. Swim- 
ming is an excellent all-around exercise, but 
gymnasium work is not well suited for the foot- 
ball player as it tends to make a man muscle- 
bound. 

Many players erroneously think that they 
should report for football in September "trained 
fine," and therefore spend the preceding summer 
months doing some form of hard physical labor 

[124] 



MEDICAL ASPECT OF THE GAME 

so that when the season opens they are "down 
to weight." Quite often this method ends disas- 
trously. The player goes "stale" and becomes 
useless to himself and to the team. Here is an 
example. John Smith, after the spring training 
season, followed the advice of some friends and 
went to work on a farm to get into good shape for 
football. He reported for practice thirty 
pounds under weight. He was nervous and rest- 
less. His appetite was poor, and he was not 
sleeping well. He was not allowed to play foot- 
ball. He was told to rest, to get at least ten 
hours' sleep a night, eat three meals a day and ex- 
ercise in moderation. In three weeks he gained 
eighteen pounds. At the end of another month 
he had gained twenty pounds more and admitted 
that he never had felt better. Here was an ath- 
lete who had over-trained — or gone stale. This 
may sound like an extreme case but you may rest 
assured that every year some boy turns up who 
has been as badly misguided as John Smith. 

The football season proper starts two to three 
weeks before the first game. This period of 
time is required to bring the men into condition 
to do the physical work necessary during a con- 
test. 

[125] 



FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

When the players report for practice in Sep- 
tember every man is given a careful and complete 
physical examination, and is required to report 
any bone or joint injury that he may have re- 
ceived in the previous four months. After prac- 
tice begins all players are instructed to report 
every injury, no matter how trivial, to the doctor 
in charge. They are not to assume that a scratch 
or a bump is nothing and "will be all right to- 
morrow." It is not the player's province to 
decide whether he is physically fit. The doctor 
is the Supreme Court on this subject; and all 
concerned, coaches as well as players, must abide 
by his decision. 

Thus a man reports a slight sprain or bruise. 
His name goes on the "Injured List" and stays 
there until the doctor thinks he is physically fit 
to resume practice. That no mistake may be 
made in this matter a copy of the "Injured 
List" is sent at the beginning of each practice 
to the head coach, who can then tell at a glance 
which players are not available. 

The early days of practice are taken up largely 
with conditioning exercises which limber up the 
muscles and accustom them to the more strenu- 
ous work that is to come. After a short time the 

[126] 



MEDICAL ASPECT OF THE GAME 

soreness and stiffness disappear and the men find 
that their "wind" is improving. However, at 
this stage they are still far from ready for the 
rough and tumble of the game. Even one bad 
fall now would cause unnecessary bruises and 
very sore muscles. Later on, after the players 
have had a few scrimmages, a severe bump or fall 
will produce scarcely any effect. Accordingly, 
then, conditioning of the men may be defined as 
so exercising the whole body, muscles, lungs, etc. , 
that they will perform their respective functions 
under stress without fatigue; and so toughening 
the body to blows and falls that they do not pro- 
duce sore and tender bruises that may last for 
days. Thus the early season work starts easily 
and gradually becomes more and more strenuous 
until at the end of five or six weeks a player 
should be in nearly perfect condition. 

It is difficult to define the word "training" ac- 
curately, for it includes not only actually learn- 
ing the plays and their execution, but also devel- 
oping the physical stamina necessary to carry 
them out in competition. To bring about these 
two ends requires time, patience, and great care 
of the human machine. After the first week or 
ten days the squad goes into strict training. 

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FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

This means going to bed at ten o'clock, no smok- 
ing or drinking, and regular meals at the training 
table. 

The old-time professional trainers believed 
that an athlete required a breakfast of fruit, 
cereal, chops, dry toast and cocoa or milk; and 
a lunch of clear soup, beef with potatoes and peas 
or beans and a simple pudding. Supper was 
much the same, except that chicken and duck 
occasionally alternated with the ever-present 
beef. The idea that all fats and sweetmeats 
should be carefully avoided still persists in many 
minds. 

A more rational way of looking at the problem 
is to consider athletics as a form of manual labor. 
The lumberjack in the woods probably does 
more physical work per twenty-four hours than 
any other workman. He is subjected to climatic 
exposure and his hours are long. A look at his 
diet shows that it is rich in fats and carbohy- 
drates (sugars) . Do not understand that by this 
a diet of "bannock and beans ,, is advocated for 
the football player, but rather that a normal, 
well-rounded diet is better than the old one of 
beef, mutton, beef, and more beef. Probably 
the best diet is the simple cooking received at 

[130] 



MEDICAL ASPECT OF THE GAME 

home. With this end in view some of the pres- 
ent-day training tables produce menus that 
closely resemble home cooking. To be sure, 
many rich and indigestible dishes such as pies 
and various forms of pastry must be restricted. 
Men in training crave sweets as did the men in 
the army. This* is a sign that the diet is defi- 
cient in sugars. Accordingly, at some training 
tables you will find a small dish of candy at each 
man's plate. Again you will find salads with 
plenty of dressing and cheese — the last two 
supplying the much-needed fats which the lum- 
berjack gets from his- bacon and pork. In other 
words, the modern training-table fare should 
resemble what the men are used to at home, with 
some restriction of pastry and fried things and 
a slight increase in fats and simple sweets. 

Before prohibition it was customary to give 
each man in training a pint of ale once a week 
after mid-season, and twice a week or oftener 
during the last two weeks. This supplied a cer- 
tain amount of additional food and some degree 
of mental relaxation. Men who were known to 
have a tendency to go stale were quite often given 
additional amounts of ale to keep them from go- 
ing over the edge. Another custom was a glass 

[131] 



FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

of champagne the night before the big game to 
insure a good night's sleep. Spirituous liquors 
of all kinds never had any place in the training 
of athletes. 

Over-training, or going stale, are terms fam- 
iliar to all who have had anything to do with 
athletics. Some men never go stale while others 
invariably do. It is more liable to happen to 
men of the nervous high-strung type. During a 
particularly hard game, especially on warm days, 
a player may lose as much as ten pounds in 
weight. This loss is largely in the form of water 
and if the man's general condition is good he 
should resume normal weight at the beginning 
of the second day following the game. If his 
weight does not come back it means that he is 
having too much work and too little play. He 
is in danger of going stale. A stale man is tired 
all the time. He does not sleep well and his fea- 
tures become drawn. In practice or in a game 
he does not perform with snap and precision. 
He is evidently "off his game." If he is asked 
what is the -matter, the invariable reply is, "I 
do not know, but I don't feel right." 

The cure is a change of environment. He 
must be sent away for a few days, to be with dif- 

[132] 



MEDICAL ASPECT OF THE GAME 

ferent people and break training to the extent of 
a bottle of ale, if such is obtainable. He should 
not go near the football field or do any practic- 
ing. After two or three days of this treatment 
almost any stale athlete will come back fit. The 
condition is undoubtedly partly mental and is 
probably closely allied to the now familiar term, 
"shell-shock." 

In arranging the schedule of games, the doc- 
tor's advice should always be considered. From 
his point of view it is a mistake to play a hard 
game every Saturday during the season, be- 
cause it forces the players to over-extend them- 
selves. Preferably the schedule should contain 
two or at most three hard games; and the other 
games should be used solely for the purpose of 
conditioning the players for the championship 
contests. It often happens that a so-called prac- 
tice game develops into an unexpectedly hard- 
fought battle. This tempts the coach to keep his 
best players in the game for a longer period 
than was planned. On such an occasion the doc- 
tor's advice is valuable, because the coach in his 
eagerness for victory may easily overlook the 
costly effect upon the physical condition of the 
players. 

[133] 



FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

In short, the football doctor's duty does not 
stop at repairing injuries or healing sickness. 
He toughens his men for the shock of conflict. 
He supervises their diet and their rest, and ob- 
serves their mental condition at all times. Aside 
from the possibility of injury on the field, the 
football player's health and welfare are much 
more carefully guarded than those of the average 
citizen. 



[134] 



VI 
THE INTELLIGENCE DEPARTMENT 

I DO NOT know who first applied the title 
of "scouts" to the men who are regularly 
assigned to the task of gathering informa- 
tion for the various football camps. It was a 
most unfortunate designation, because it created 
in the public mind an entirely false impression, 
which still prevails and seems to spread in spite 
of frequent denials from authoritative sources. 
It leads the public to believe that spying, trick- 
ery and improper methods are integral parts of 
the game. It is true that some twenty or more 
years ago there was a tendency to conduct all 
athletics on a win-by-any-means basis and dis- 
tinctly improper methods were employed in the 
effort to secure information about a rival. Much 
might be written about some of the ingenious 
tricks that were resorted to in these early days, 
but the results attained by such means were 
very small. 

From an ethical point of view, all athletics 

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THE INTELLIGENCE DEPARTMENT 

have made great strides in the last ten years. 
The intelligence departments of the various 
football teams have kept pace with this progress 
toward fair play. Today the football scout is 
recognized as an important part of the coaching 
staff, and his work is always done in a manner 
above suspicion and criticism. Among the larger 
colleges it is now a common practice to send 
complimentary tickets to all the opponents on 
the schedule. 

The scout who is to observe a given team dur- 
ing a season makes himself known to the proper 
authorities upon his arrival in town, and before 
the game begins. He becomes the guest of the 
team which it is his duty to observe. Not in- 
frequently he actually dines at the rival training- 
table and is on perfectly harmonious terms with 
the rival coaches. On his side, he expects and 
desires to see and hear nothing except what takes 
place on the field and is open to the observa- 
tion of every spectator. No matter what the 
scouts of the olden days may have been, the scouts 
of to-day are regarded, by those who know the 
facts, merely as rival coaches carrying out just 
as honorable and legitimate an assignment as 
if they were at home teaching their own teams 

[137] 



FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

how to tackle or to throw the forward pass. 
There are practical as well as theoretical rea- 
sons why the scouts seek no information beyond 
what can be obtained from observing opponents 
in open play. It is a firmly established popular 
belief that football games can be won by trick 
plays and intricate surprises. In the author's 
opinion, trick plays seldom accomplish what is 
expected of them, and indeed often act as a 
boomerang against the side that employs them. 
Almost never do trick plays justify the time and 
drill devoted to them. The elements that insure 
the victory are the inherent strength of a team 
and the soundness of its fundamental policy. 
These factors must be in evidence in all public 
exhibitions ; and it is these, rather than the frills 
and froth, that the scout seeks to observe and 
evaluate. 

The modern game of football is so highly de- 
veloped that the time available for coaching does 
not begin to suffice. To offset this lack of time, 
in part, at least, the head coach organizes his in- 
telligence department. From this department, 
through the reports of the scouts, he receives his 
best information as to the type of play to be ex- 
pected from each successive opponent. He an- 

[138] 



THE INTELLIGENCE DEPARTMENT 

alyzes the situation as disclosed by these reports, 
discusses it with his assistants, and reaches a con- 
clusion as to the best method of attack and de- 
fense to be employed against the next opponent. 
This conclusion is imparted to the players, who 
soon learn to rely on the instruction given them 
concerning the type of play to expect from a par- 
ticular team, and cease to puzzle their brains 
as to what possibilities the next contest will bring 
forth. Relieved of this worry about the un- 
known, they concentrate more intently on the 
daily practice, and the team develops so much 
the faster. 

It should be said here that the scouting sys- 
tem is of direct benefit to the game of football in 
general. The reports of the scouts keep the 
coaching staff in constant touch with develop- 
ments and innovations that appear from week to 
week in various quarters. This stream of ac- 
curate information, digested and discussed, has 
an influence, conscious or unconscious, on the 
mind of every coach. It creates a certain uni- 
formity of thought which tends perhaps to nar- 
row the scope of the game; but this very limita- 
tion helps its progress toward perfection. It 
stabilizes the form of the game, and eliminates 

[139] 



FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

unusual and unsound variations of play. By- 
standardization of the game as a test of skill, 
football is made much more interesting both to 
player and to spectator. 

Many persons have raised the question why 
there should be any scouting at all. Enthusi- 
astic followers of college games are constantly 
sending in voluntary reports concerning the 
strength and tactics of some future opponent. 
The desk of every coach is littered with such re- 
ports; but the coach has no means of determin- 
ing their accuracy. He dares not use the in- 
formation himself or pass it on to his players. 
The players themselves need some definite in- 
struction about the individual peculiarities of the 
teams they are to face. In the absence of such 
instruction, the players feel that the coach is 
groping in the dark, they begin to lose confi- 
dence in him; and the seed of failure is sown. 
The scout fills this very real need. He is so 
skilled in the technique of the game that he can 
select the important facts and disregard the rest. 
He writes his report in the language of the coach, 
free from irrelevancies and non-essentials. Fi- 
nally, he submits his report precisely when it is 
needed, complete to the last minute but in ample 
[140] 



THE INTELLIGENCE DEPARTMENT 

time for use. The scout merely provides a relia- 
ble substitute for the rumors and inexact infor- 
mation which always come to the ears of the 
coach. 

There are no hard and fast rules for scout- 
ing. The work and the reports vary with the 
exigencies of the particular case. An expert 
scout will generally gather far more information 
than need be imparted to any one man of the 
coaching staff. In such a case, he tells each 
coach only what is necessary for his own depart- 
ment. The coach, in turn, passes on to each 
player only the information which concerns his 
own position, and keeps his mind free from a 
mass of irrelevant details. 

A contest between two big colleges imposes 
heavy duties on their respective intelligence de- 
partments. The information to be obtained 
naturally falls under the two main headings of 
"Offense" and "Defense." Each of these are 
subdivided into "Mental Possibilities" and "Phy- 
sical Probabilities." Under these in turn comes 
an endless mass of minute detail, which changes 
constantly from day to day. 

Some of the more important questions for a 
scout are as follows : — Is the team well rounded 

[141] 



FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

out in all its branches? If not, what are its 
weaknesses? Are its offensive and defensive 
formations sound? How many plays have they 
shown, and what are their types? What are 
their best plays? What plays will they prob- 
ably develop ? Of what type is the quarterback, 
and what field tactics does he employ? What is 
the ability and speed of the kicker with and 
against the wind? Does he constitute a triple 
threat? Are any other backs in this cate- 
gory? Which backs are best at running, and 
which at interference? What players are best at 
receiving passes? What defensive line methods 
are used? Does the team as a whole tackle well? 
What players show weakness in this particular? 
What is the average weight of line and back- 
field? How many and what defenses does this 
team employ? What type of offense and what 
particular plays will go best against this team? 

The scout must also analyze the individual 
player. If the player is fast, he can move on 
the field at least seven yards a second. A slower 
man can move only a part of that distance. An 
alert man, quick at sizing up a play, is apt to do 
the correct thing at the proper time. A man 
who is mentally sluggish starts slowly, and is 

[142] 



THE INTELLIGENCE DEPARTMENT 

easily decoyed in the wrong direction. Some- 
times a man's slowness may prove of advantage 
to his team. It happens frequently that a clev- 
erly designed play is stopped by a stupid player 
who has stood in his tracks, unable to decide 
what to do while the play is getting under way. 

Before the big game arrives, and in time to 
make use of the knowledge, a head coach wants 
to know whether he can stop his opponent's at- 
tack, and whether his own team's offense is 
strong enough to win. Teams improve gradu- 
ally, but with ever-increasing momentum. The 
scout's opinion on what a team has already done 
is of small importance. What the scout must 
furnish to his chief is a forecast; an accurate 
estimate of what the team can do on the day of 
the big game with the added incentive of supreme 
effort which only the big game can develop. 

Although he is confronted by all sorts of com- 
plicated problems, a scout must never let him- 
self wander far from the path of horse sense. 
The author recalls one team which had been 
sweeping all opponents before it, and appeared 
to have an attack so intricate and so perfectly 
executed that no defense could be built up 
against it. Every team which had attempted to 

[143] 



FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

analyze it was completely puzzled. Then an ex- 
perienced scout came forward with a solution that 
was ridiculously simple. He maintained that 
in the development of this offense the team had 
neglected to devote sufficient time to defensive 
training; and that it was only necessary for its 
opponent to keep possession of the ball through 
the medium of a simple, powerful attack. This 
idea was adopted; and the supposedly invincible 
offense were so far overbalanced by the weakness 
of the defense that the opposing team ran up 
a big score while the offense were starving for an 
opportunity to "get going." 



[144] 



VII 
THE ATTACK 

FOOTBALL is a miniature war game 
played under somewhat more civilized 
rules of conduct, in which the team be- 
comes the military force of the school or univer- 
sity which it represents. In fact most of the 
combat principles of the Field Service Regula- 
tions of the United States Army are applicable 
to the modern game of football. 

As in combat, decisive results are obtained only 
by an aggressive offensive, and success follows 
the combined participation of every available 
man, particularly in the critical stages of the 
contest. The fundamental object of the offense 
is to select a point of attack which, theoretically, 
is always the weakest -position of the defense, 
and to assault that position with fullest strength, 
at the same time engaging as many as possible of 
the defensive players elsewhere to prevent their 
strengthening the point assaulted. In other 

[145] 



FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

words, the quarterback continually endeavors 
to attack a defensive position by a numerically 
and consequently physically superior offensive 
force. 

Of course the importance of this power advan- 
tage has been greatly reduced by the introduc- 
tion of the forward pass, which has materially 
increased the complexity of the game even as the 
use of the airplane has changed the whole char- 
acter of modern warfare. The forward pass 
definitely increased the element of surprise, in 
that the possible positions of men eligible to 
receive the pass added a substantial measure of 
offensive variety to the old single idea of power 
superiority at the selected point of attack. Even 
so, the fact remains that football alone of college 
sports permits of hard bodily contact between 
two groups of players, each striving by its power 
superiority to force the other to give ground at 
a point of weakness. 

As has already been stated, there are three 
salient weapons of attack — the rush, the kick, 
and the forward pass. There are also many and 
various types of offense. 

Some teams predominate in the number and 
strength of their line plays. This type of offense 

[146] 



THE ATTACK 

is termed a "gruelling" attack, because it has 
the effect of wearing down the opposing linemen ; 
and although the gains are apt to be small, yet 
the consistency with which they are made materi- 
ally affects the strength and morale of the op- 
posing team. Other teams adopt end running 
as the principal form of attack, while still others 
place great reliance on the forward pass. 
Again, if a team is possessed of a great kicker, 
it may be able to punt its way out of its own 
territory and when it reaches scoring distance 
utilize the drop kick as the scoring play. 

Since 1912, when the present rules with some 
modifications went into effect, there has been a 
tendency to decrease the number and type of 
offensive formations. However, there can still 
be a great variation in the arrangement of the 
offensive team. Considering the line alone, 
perhaps the simplest form is to have three line- 
men on either side of the center. This is called 
a balanced formation. Another arrangement 
places four men on one side of the center and 
only two on his other flank. The question may 
be asked why not carry this idea still further and 
put all the men on one side. The answer is that 
because the center must give his attention first 

[147] 



FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

of all to passing the ball accurately to his back- 
field, he is not as effective in other respects as 
the rest of the line, who are devoting all their 
attention to their opponents. The territory, 
then, in his immediate vicinity is theoretically 
not as strongly held as elsewhere. Therefore, 
in order to have a strong screen behind which to 
start plays and both flanks properly upheld, a 
great majority of teams adopt the four and two 
formation. Harvard alone has a peculiar method 
of changing its formations from right to left. 
Instead of shifting the line along, the long side 
wheels around behind and the short side in front 
of center so that each player ends up in the same 
relative position in respect to his neighbors that 
he held before. The advantages gained are 
that each player has the same relative assign- 
ments in all plays, whether the formation is right 
or left. 

The offensive backfield is also subject to great 
variety of arrangement, but with respect to the 
influence upon the defense certain standardized 
formations, i. e., open, close, loose, wide (see dia- 
grams), are used by the majority of prominent 
teams. Of these, the first permits of great 
variety of sweeps, passes, and kicks, and still re- 

[148] 



THE ATTACK 

tains the inherent strength of the close running 
attack, in which plunges and slants predominate. 
In this formation, the defense must pay particu- 
lar attention to the player who takes position 
some ten yards from the scrimmage line. Ex- 
perience has taught that this distance is best 
adapted to either a punt or drop kick. It has 
also been found that from this position a speedy 
halfback can flank the enemy better than from 
a point nearer the line. Further, in order to 
gain the proper element of time necessary to 
deploy the possible receivers of a long forward 
pass, the passer must be well removed from in- 
terference by the opposing linemen. Therefore, 
if the player in question is adept in kicking, run- 
ning, and passing, whenever he assumes this ten 
yard position he constitutes a "triple threat"; 
and the defense must so arrange themselves as to 
be properly prepared for a kick, run or pass. 

Mention has been made of loose and wide for- 
mations, which are effective because of the con- 
fusion created among the defensive players as 
to the proper positions they should assume. 
Still another type is called the shift formation, 
because the offensive players suddenly change 

[149] 



THE ATTACK 

position just prior to the snap of the ball. In 
this way they hope to obtain an advantage over 
the defense by denying them an opportunity of 
sizing up the situation before the ball is put into 
play. This type of offense has two disadvan- 
tages. In the first place, a great amount of 
practice is necessary for its proper execution. 
Second, the plays are "blind," for the reason 
that, as they have to be decided upon before the 
offensive players shift, the ultimate positions of 
the opponents who change position to meet the 
shift cannot be determined at the moment the 
ball is put in play. This type of offense may 
be termed haphazard, because it may strike the 
defense at its strongest instead of its weakest 
point. 

The number of plays which can be run from 
these formations is almost limitless. There are 
perhaps fifty or sixty good ones, but it is quite 
impossible to teach that number thoroughly to 
any team in one season. It is good judgment, 
therefore, for the coach to select from twenty to 
thirty and limit himself strictly to that number. 
It is also of great advantage to run all of them 
from each formation. In other words, it is ad- 

[150] 



THE ATTACK 

visable so to consolidate the number of forma- 
tions and plays that they together form a com- 
prehensive unit of attack. 

Having decided on the nature and number of 
formations and plays, how then can the coach 
best teach them to the players? Few people 
realize the difficulty of executing even the sim- 
plest of football plays. Consider the center 
rush, who is called upon to pass the ball between 
his legs accurately to a moving backfield which 
he sees inverted. The co-ordination between him 
and the quarterback must be deft, accurate, and 
performed with the utmost speed. The mere 
catching of the football by the backfield is made 
difficult by its elongated shape; and when one 
considers the trying circumstances under which 
a forward pass is often caught, when the oppo- 
nents are also trying to catch it at the same time, 
handling the ball cleanly is a remarkably skillful 
feat. 

In teaching the various plays it is always best 
first to diagram the whole team, showing the 
position of each man before the ball is put in 
play and his course and duty after the ball is 
snapped. A signal should be attached to the 
diagram. Usually each play is numbered. 

[151] 



FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

The theoiy and use of the particular play in 
question should then be thoroughly explained. 

Having thus visualized the play, an eleven is 
lined up, the proper signal given, the ball 
snapped, and each man starts at a walk in his 
designated direction. When the interference 
reaches the line of scrimmage all the players 
stop, and their various duties at the time 
of contact with their opponents are thoroughly 
explained and demonstrated. In order to make 
this more realistic it is well to have another 
eleven lined up in the proper defensive forma- 
tion, and each man should act his part as natur- 
ally as possible : in other words this team should 
move as the defense probably would move against 
a play of this nature. The play should then be 
practiced at a trot, and when all players have 
assimilated their assignments it should be prac- 
ticed at full speed. The amount of rehearsing 
necessary to perfect a given play is enormous. 
The author was once reminded that he had 
compelled an eleven to repeat one play seventeen 
times before he felt satisfied that it was properly- 
executed. 

The team formation in punting practice must 
not give the play away. In other words, both 

[152] 



THE DEFENSE 

ends and the backfield must be so disposed that 
a running attack or forward pass still appears 
to be probable. 

That the reader may in some degree realize 
the amount of detail in a given play, the follow- 
ing main points to be observed in practicing a 
punt are here given: — 

a. The center must neither alter the position 
of his hands on the ball, nor give to the oppo- 
nents any hint as to the direction or length of 
the forthcoming pass. 

b. The line from tackle to tackle must form a 
solid wall, to guard the punter from direct fron- 
tal attack. 

c. The ends must be free from their oppo- 
nents, ready to start down the field on the snap 
of the ball. 

d. The backs must be placed so that they best 
protect the kicker, thus affording him sufficient 
time and space to get off his kick. 

e. The kicker must attend to: 

1. Assuming the correct stance. 

2. Catching the pass from the center and 

manipulating the ball with the fingers 
into the proper position. 

3. Maintaining this position during the 

[153] 



THE ATTACK 

transit of the ball from hand to foot. 

4. Position of the kicking foot when con- 

tact with the ball takes place, i. e., toe 
well pointed. 

5. Nature of the blow imparted to the ball. 

i. e., the action is similar to a golf 
stroke: — the snap of the knee sup- 
plants the wrist motion of the golfer. 

6. Proper respect to quickness, height, di- 

rection and distance. 

The entire play, from the time the ball is 
snapped till the ball is kicked must be consum- 
mated in less than three seconds. 

Perhaps another illustration will impress 
upon the reader the various functions of the 
players in such a simple play as an end run: — 

a. The opposing line from tackle to tackle 
must be boxed. 

b. The opposing end must be put out of the 
play by two inter ferers. 

c. Second line of defense must be taken care 
of by two more interferers. 

d. Third line and fourth line of defense must 
be dodged because all available interference has 
been used up. 

e. Pursuers must be cut off. 
[154] 



FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

If any one of the first three assignments is 
not carried out the play will be theoretically 
stopped. The spectator may wonder why the 
quarterback keeps trying the same play over 
and over again without apparent success. It is 
in the hope that all the assignments may be 
carried out perfectly at the same time, in which 
case a good gain will result. 

Before the ball is put in play it appears easy 
to the spectator to gain ground by utilizing a 
sweep, but he should remember that the defense 
move as fast as the offense, so that an attempt 
at flanking the enemy usually results in a lateral 
run to the side lines with little gain. It is 
surprising how frequently the spectator ignores 
this fact. The author has received many anony- 
mous suggestions in the form of beautiful 
diagrams, of a runner encircling the opposing 
end for a forty yard dash to the goal line, with 
apparently no movement by the defense to 
impede his progress. 

The rules must also be observed. Once a 
particularly keen observer travelled one hundred 
miles in order to present to the author a play 
which he assured him had never been tried. 
Briefly, his conception of how to score was as 

[155] 



THE ATTACK 

follows : — Upon receiving the kick-off the runner 
should advance as far as possible and then hurl 
the ball forward to a player stationed at the 
opposite side of the field, who, if threatened by 
a tackier, should in turn again pass the ball 
forward to another player, who by this time 
should have reached the opponents' goal line. 
This well-wisher had entirely overlooked the 
fact that the rules clearly state that a forward 
pass shall be made only from scrimmage and fur- 
thermore that only one forward pass may be tried 
during any one play. Otherwise his methods 
and conclusions were quite correct. 

The signals which inform the players of their 
various moves might be termed a number lan- 
guage. By calling off a series of numbers the 
quarterback tells his team-mates which man is 
to take the 'ball, where they are to go, and, in case 
a starting signal is used, when they are to start. 
The system of signals employed should be essen- 
tially simple, and yet should have sufficient 
complexity to baffle opponents in their efforts 
to understand them. A starting signal in- 
creases the mental burden of the players, yet 
the advantages to be derived from it more than 
compensate. By a fore-knowledge of when the 

[156] 



THE ATTACK 

ball is to be snapped the linemen are enabled to 
start, through the agency of the ear rather than 
the eye, thus allowing them to focus their whole 
attention on their opponents. Furthermore, if 
the signal is rhythmic the whole team can by an- 
ticipation start more easily and more in unison 
than if they are left unawares until they actually 
see the ball in motion. But the starting signal 
is a dangerous toy. The men are apt to "beat 
the ball" in their anxiety to be on time; thus 
causing offside play, and more often upsetting 
the delicate timing between the quarterback, 
who has to wait for the ball from center, and the 
rest of the backfleld, who have already started. 

To assimilate a set of signals thoroughly takes 
long practice. To players who are not familiar 
with a given system they appear like so much 
Greek, but after a long period of rehearsing 
they become more effective than spoken direc- 
tions. An old player, who had graduated 
twenty-five years before, told the author he could 
vividly recollect the signals of certain plays in 
which he took the ball. 

After a team has perfected a play in signal 
practice, the next step is to run the play against 
real opposition. Scrimmages, whether in prac- 

[157] 



FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

tice or in games, are complicated affairs. There 
are so many rules and players involved that they 
should always be carefully supervised. In prac- 
tice scrimmages it is well to have coaches or 
managers act in the capacity of officials, to see 
that the various rules are observed at all times. 
Only in this way can a proper respect for the 
rules be instilled. 

Rather than plunge into the confusion of a 
live scrimmage it is well to indulge in so-called 
dummy scrimmages, until the players are thor- 
oughly conversant with their respective duties 
and are in good enough physical condition to 
stand the wear and tear of actual scrimmage. 
A dummy scrimmage is football minus the 
tackle. It gives the players a chance to learn 
their tasks more thoroughly and with a greatly 
minimized risk of injury. 

When the groundwork has been completed 
by this means, the first real scrimmage can be 
tried. It is surprising how much confusion 
ensues. There is always a great deal of offside, 
or starting before the ball is put in play. The 
execution of the plays is crude because the men 
are awkward in handling themselves and also 
because they have not yet learned the plays 

[158] 



THE ATTACK 

perfectly. Coaches and players make a great 
deal of noise, and in general there is an undue 
amount of excitement. Furthermore, a good 
deal of physical suffering results from bumps 
and falls, and from the lack of "wind" which all 
players experience when violent exercise is in- 
dulged in for the first time. Added to these 
discomforts a great deal of dust is apt to arise 
from the field of play. How, then, can players 
learn anything in these surroundings ? The solu- 
tion is for players and coaches to keep quiet until 
an interval occurs in the scrimmage; and these 
intervals should be frequent at first, decreasing 
as order is gained and the endurance of the men 
increases. 

When the team has learned the execution of 
the various plays, the next problem of the coach 
is to teach the quarterback when and where to 
use them. 

There is always marked difference between 
theory and practice in football. The greatest 
precision is planned in the execution of plays, 
yet in the great majority of cases the defense 
spoil it. Only by continual striving after a per- 
fect performance can one occasionally be made 
to occur. At other times quite unwarranted 

[159] 



FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

gains and losses result from the defense not do- 
ing as they are expected. In this respect foot- 
ball closely resembles a battle, which has been 
planned with great preparation, but which, soon 
after contact between the opposing forces takes 
place, resolves itself into utter confusion. 
Unexpected situations develop in unexpected 
places. New elements of strength and weak- 
ness appear on either side. Unlooked-for dis- 
positions of the enemy call for instant changes 
of tactics. Such conditions can be successfully 
met only by men whose previous intensive train- 
ing prompts them instinctively to do the correct 
thing. 

Reference has been made in a former chapter 
to the A B C of field tactics. Of course, con- 
ditions often necessitate changes even in the 
fundamental principles of field play. For ex- 
ample, if a team is particularly adept in for- 
ward passing and weak in kicking, it would be 
foolhardy for it to adopt the punt as a means 
of getting out of its own territory. Some 
teams regularly try a long forward pass instead 
of the punt, for this purpose. In case the de- 
fense are lined up in an unorthodox fashion, 
the quarterback should take advantage of this 

[160] 



THE ATTACK 

weakness by using the play which fits the im- 
mediate situation, irrespective of where the ball 
happens to be on the field of play. Of course, 
when the wind is against the offense they are, 
perforce, compelled to rush the ball when in 
their own territory, as it would be suicidal to 
exchange punts, assuming that both kickers have 
equal ability. Still again, the score must always 
be kept in mind. If a team is behind, and is 
in its own territory, it is quite proper for it to 
indulge in plays involving risks, such as for- 
ward passes and tricks, in the hope that one 
play will take them to a more advantageous 
position. The quarterback should also use his 
formations to threaten more than one kind of 
play, i. e., kick, run, or pass. He can also utilize 
his star back by putting him in the kicker's 
position for this same purpose, but he should 
always endeavor to play to the opponent's weak- 
est point, varying his attack at this point by 
manipulating his various plays and formations 
to assault this weakness in different ways. 

That the reader may in some fashion visualize 
the probable results of the various kinds of plays, 
the following table, which does not pretend to be 
accurate, but simply approximates the relative 

[161] 



FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

percentage of gains of plays of the various 
kinds, is appended: 

Plunges : — 

Should gain two yards, three times out of 
four. On other attempt, no gain. 

Slants : — 

Should gain two and one-half yards, three 
times out of four. On other attempt, one 
yard loss. 

Sweeps : — 

Should gain five yards two times out of four. 
Third attempt, no gain ; fourth attempt, two 
yards loss. 

Forward Pass: — 

Should gain ten yards one time out of four. 
On two other attempts, will be incomplete 
resulting in no gain, on the other try inter- 
cepted by defense causing lost ball. 

Punts : — 

Should average thirty five to forty yards 
net. 

Drop Kicks: — 

Of all kicks, an equal number of which are 
tried from the twenty-five, thirty, thirty-five 
and forty yard lines, fifty per cent, should 
score. 

[162] 



THE ATTACK 

Placements from free kick: — 

Of all kicks, an equal number of which are 
tried from the twenty-five, thirty, thirty- 
five, and forty yard lines, seventy-five per 
cent, should score. 

These figures are used simply for the purpose 
of demonstrating the relative value of the vari- 
ous plays. In other words, if the offense must 
gain two and one-half yards in one try to make 
a first down, the percentage, according to the 
table, is in favor of employing a slant. To illus- 
trate again, it is easily seen that an employment 
of plunges from a team's twenty yard line to the 
opposing goal line is hardly practicable, because 
the risk of penalties and fumbles is ever present, 
and the defense would soon find that because no 
other plays were being used they could concen- 
trate their entire strength on a narrow front. 
Better judgment would utilize plays which might 
gain greater distance and in this way arrive at 
scoring distance with less effort and in a shorter 
space of time. 

There has always been mystery as to why the 
tackle is so frequently attacked. It should be 
kept in mind that the tackle has to cover a great 
deal of ground laterally on either side of his 

[163] 



FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

position. The offense usually so arrange their 
linemen as to have one man directly engaged 
with him and another on his outside flank. It 
so happens that plays run from standard form- 
ations against tackle utilize all of the backfield 
except the runner to best advantage as inter- 
feres. In the case of a plunge, one and some- 
times two of the backfield are wasted. Further- 
more, plays at tackle reach the line of scrimmage 
quickly enough to prevent many of the defense 
coming to his rescue. Last, as has been inti- 
mated, it is good policy not to vary the attack on 
a given point provided a sufficient assortment 
of plays can be used. It so happens that the 
strongest type of plays can all be used against 
the opposing tackle position. For this reason 
quarterbacks are prone to use plays directed 
at this position, not only because of the inherent 
strength of the plays themselves, but because of 
the physical effect upon the tackle in question. 



[164] 



VIII 
THE DEFENSE 

THE WORD "defense" is psychologically 
poor, in that it implies that the team is 
defending itself against an attack. If 
some phrase could be invented which would de- 
note that a team is not defending itself but is 
constantly striving to take the ball away from its 
opponent, it would more adequately express the 
proper mental attitude of a team not in posses- 
sion of the ball. 

Generally speaking, the theory of all defense 
against a running attack is to drive the runner 
toward center, as quickly as possible. In this 
way the attack is confined to a definite small ter- 
ritory. The salient principle of defense against 
the forward pass is for the line to force the passer 
to get rid of the ball quickly. This pressure dis- 
turbs the accuracy of the pass, and often so hur- 
ries it that the receivers have not sufficient time 
to get into their proper receiving positions. 
Against a kick, the line is again called upon 

[165] 



FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

to hurry the kicker on all occasions and to block 
the kick if possible; but to avoid committing 
themselves so thoroughly to these objectives that 
they will not be ready for any other kind of 
play which may transpire. 

In the several methods of defense, there are 
again two schools, one of which believes that the 
men from tackle to tackle should stand squarely 
on their feet, but low enough to meet the charge 
of the offensive linesmen. At the snap of the 
ball they should advance against their opponents 
with their hands on their opponents' bodies. In 
this position they are ready to continue their 
advance, but should always diagnose the nature 
of the play before committing themselves to any 
one direction. 

The other school believes that these same men 
should assume a crouching position, with both 
hands on the ground. When the ball is snapped 
these players should charge into the spaces be- 
tween the opponents opposite them. In this 
way they are supposed to fill various chinks 
between the opponents, and also to carry them 
back into the offensive play. Against plunging 
types of plays this method is stronger than the 
other; but it has the great disadvantage of 

[166] 



THE DEFENSE 

committing the players in a given direction, 
irrespective of the nature of the play, and is also 
further faulty because the players cannot see 
the impending play, nor diagnose it as quickly as 
if they were in the upright position and could use 
their hands to ward off their opponents. 

Pitted against a close formation, the defense 
really need seven players on the line of scrim- 
mage. To be sure, this arrangement leaves the 
backfleld somewhat weak against forward passes, 
but on close analysis the offense can, by using 
certain of the backfield as buffers against the 
defensive ends, bring all of their linemen to bear 
on the remaining five defense. More often they 
bring five against three, and at the apex of a 
plunge there are apt tc be three against one de- 
fensive player. 

As has been stated it is the duty of the ends to 
hem in an impending sweep as quickly as pos- 
sible. To accomplish this they cross the line of 
scrimmage on the snap of the ball and aim at the 
outside interferer in order to drive the runner in 
where the tackle can get at him. As the offense 
usually detail two interferers against the end, 
he must be careful not to get pinched between 
them, thus allowing the runner an outside 

[167] 



FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

course. The best method of preventing this is 
to use one hand on each of the interferers. In 
this way the end keeps free from the shock of 
the interferers' blow. He must also keep his 
feet, else the runner will certainly flank him. 
All told, this two against one battle is always 
worth watching. 

Meanwhik the tackle is doing his best to come 
to the rescue of his hard-pressed end, but the 
offense before the ball is snapped are apt so to 
maneuvre an end, especially when a loose forma- 
tion is used, as to be well on the outside of the 
tackle in question. Consequently unless the 
tackle is clever with hands and feet he will be 
"boxed" by this nimble end, who is re-inforced at 
the critical moment by more interference from 
the backfield. 

The guards and center are usually outdis- 
tanced on a play of this nature but the secondary 
defense are sure to play an important role, in case 
both end and tackle are vanquished. Although 
he, too, is usually menaced by other offensive 
players he enjoys the great advantage of a rov- 
ing position, thus making it difficult for the in- 
terference to locate him consistently and with 
precision. Furthermore, because of the direc- 

[168] 



THE DEFENSE 

tion of the play he meets both interferers and 
runner obliquely, at which angle it is easy for 
him to deal an effective blow. All told then, on 
plays of this nature he is in the great majority 
of cases the salvation of the defense and the 
thorn in the flesh of the offense. 

On plunges and slants directed inside of 
tackle, there results a mighty conflict between 
opposing linemen. Of course the brunt of the 
battle comes on the two defense between whom 
the play is aimed. But players removed even 
two "holes" away can, by a vicious charge and a 
side lunge, often tackle the runner before he 
reaches the line. Conversely the offense must 
always lend lateral support even to plays of a 
plunging nature. 

The cardinal principles of defensive line play 
in contending against a gruelling attack are to 
meet the offensive charge in a position strong 
enough to prevent being pushed back and at the 
same time to diagnose the play quickly and ac- 
curately enough to reach the "core" of the play, 
i. e., the runner. It is extremely difficult for 
the average spectator to see and understand the 
fine points of defensive line play, and it would be 
equally difficult to describe them in words. Suf- 

[169] 



FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

fice it to state that good line play is of vital im- 
portance and that, granted a parity in all other 
essential factors, a very slight superiority in this 
one department is sufficient to bring victory in 
the great majority of cases. 

When opposed to an open or kick formation, 
the defensive line are still called upon to meet 
a close-running attack minus one player who has 
assumed a position ten yards back. From this 
position he threatens sweeps so seriously that 
both ends and tackles are compelled to move out- 
wardly. Furthermore, the backfield needs assis- 
tance to cope with a probable kick or forward 
pass, so the center often goes to their aid, thus 
leaving the spaces between the various linemen 
much wider than when lined up against a close 
formation. Hence each lineman has to cover 
more ground laterally than against a close 
formation. In 1914, during the game against 
Yale, the Harvard team, with a kicker in 
position for a drop kick, executed seven con- 
secutive plays, all of which were directed at 
points which were successively exposed by dif- 
ferent members of the Yale team in their anxiety 
to prevent the drop kick which was never played. 

Under these circumstances, the question might 

[170] 



THE DEFENSE 

well be raised, as to why the offense do not always 
assume an open formation. In answer, although 
the player in kicker's position does cause a widen- 
ing of the defensive line so that they can be in 
better position to block a kick and cope with 
sweeps as well, yet the removal of the player 
in question robs the offense of an interferer who 
in a close formation is of vital importance. 
Again, unless the quarterback fills in the posi- 
tion vacated by the kicker, many strong plays 
cannot be used, and if he is removed from under 
center several other plays of equal . alue must 
be sacrificed. In either case the backfield (those 
still remaining in close formation) lacks sufficient 
weight to supply the necessary "punch" to make 
line plays consistently successful. 

Furthermore, the defense are always alive to 
the tactical situation, i. e., the down and distance 
to be gained, so that they do often anticipate the 
nature of the ensuing play and take position ac- 
cordingly. Therefore although a great variety 
of tactics may be employed from the open form- 
ation which stretches the defense in width and 
depth, yet by taking flexible positions with re- 
spect to the probable play, the defense are able to 
cope with it. 

[171] 



FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

The duties and theories of defensive backfield 
play are so numerous and complex, especially 
against forward passes, that the author feels the 
reader can best refer to the descriptions with ref- 
erence to the diagrams A, B, C, and D, at the 
end of Chapter I. The diagrams show the chief 
formations for a defense against close, open, 
loose and wide formations, but perhaps a few 
words should be added regarding a defense 
against an offensive wide formation. 

The mere fact that two or three of the offensive 
team are stationed across the field some ten or 
fifteen yards usually strikes terror to the hearts 
of the defense. In fact, the author knows of 
coaches who believe that twelve men are neces- 
sary to cover the ground against the various 
plays which can be launched from this formation. 
There is no question but that the defense are 
stretched, both in width and depth, and that 
over-emphasis to meet a forward pass lays the 
defense open to an effective running game. But 
this has its compensations: (1) When two or 
three men are removed fifteen or twenty yards 
away from the rest of the team, its close running 
attack against the opposing line is materially 
weakened. (2) Defensive ends can become half- 

[172] 



THE DEFENSE, 

backs by dropping out and off the line of scrim- 
mage as drawn in the diagram. From this po- 
sition they can still stop end runs with the help 
of their tackles, who are now not flanked by 
offensive men, and can also cover what are 
termed lateral passes. (3) Wingbacks, re- 
lieved of their duty against forward passes of 
this nature, can play their positions normally. 
(4) If two defensive backs are placed at full 
distance, say twenty to twenty-five yards, they 
can cover all long passes as they do punts, be- 
cause the longer the pass the more time the de- 
fense have to get to it. For this reason such 
plays are seldom successful and are bound to be 
haphazard in results. 

Besides the standard defenses which have been 
mentioned, some teams, when driven within 
their own ten yard line, adopt certain defensive 
tactics which for want of a better name may be 
termed a goal line defense. It should be borne 
in mind that the offense when they reach this 
territory are somewhat averse to using wide 
sweeps on the first two or three tries for fear of 
incurring losses. Rather do they tend toward 
obtaining the coveted first down through the 
medium of powerful plunges and slants. 

[173] 



FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

To combat this "savage attack" the defense 
contract the length of the scrimmage line and 
move a wingback into the second line of defense, 
thus re-inforcing both tackle positions. The 
fourth line, usually the quarterback, takes the 
place of the wingback just removed, thus ap- 
parently leaving ten yards of territory beyond 
the goal line exposed to forward passes. Again, 
the reader must bear in mind that if a forward 
pass is "grounded" within this narrow space, it 
constitutes a touchback and the ball becomes 
the property of the opponents on their twenty 
yard line. It is only necessary for the defense 
to bat a forward pass to the ground to accom- 
plish this result. Therefore, when a play of this 
nature is attempted the defensive backfield sim- 
ply follow the various possible receivers with the 
sole object of spoiling the play for them. Being 
relieved of any idea of catching the ball them- 
selves, they are the better able to fulfill this as- 
signment. 

There are, of course, many variations not only 
in all the defensive formations mentioned but in 
the tactics employed. To illustrate, when it is 
assumed the opponents are going to punt, the 
usual assignment of the defensive line is to force 

[174] 



THE DEFENSE 

a development of the .play, and with this in 
mind all seven linemen endeavor to get at the 
kicker's foot as quickly as possible. Quite dif- 
ferent tactics are sometimes used if the opposing 
kicker gets his punts away very quickly and 
when the tactical situation is such that a kick will 
in all probability ensue. Instead of trying to 
block the kick, the defense now devote their at- 
tention to preventing the offensive line from get- 
ting downfield to cover the punt. Each player 
from tackle to tackle blocks the offensive player 
opposite him. In order to check the ends, espe- 
cially if they take wide positions, it is necessary 
for the defensive ends to drop back about five 
yards from the scrimmage line. When the ball 
is snapped they must judge quickly whether or 
not a sweep will ensue, and thereafter devote 
their efforts toward impeding the offensive ends. 
They are soon joined by their wingbacks, so that 
each offensive end has to contend with two ad- 
versaries. It can readily be seen that when such 
methods are used, the catcher of the punt has a 
better chance of running back the kick, or if he 
muff it, he has more time and opportunity to 
recover it. 

Old-time players are prone to believe that 

[175] 



FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

present-day tackling is far inferior to that which 
prevailed when they were in college. It is true 
that today not nearly as much time is given to 
the teaching and practice of tackling as formerly. 
It can't be, because many other equally impor- 
tant departments of the game must have their 
full share of attention. 

These critics do not realize how much the art 
of interference has developed. In the old days 
interference was placed ahead of the runner and 
the defense could see what they had to contend 
with. Today, in addition to this there is added 
a flanking interference which comes from un- 
expected quarters. This is especially true with 
respect to the second and third lines of defense, 
who often are set for frontal interference, when 
without warning they are sides wiped from the 
flank by a lineman whom they never even saw 
approaching. 

This practice constitutes a bone of contention 
among the rule makers, who must see that tactics 
which endanger the welfare of the players are 
curbed, and who must at the same time preserve 
practical methods of merit. 

Another phase of the game of today which did 
not exist in the "good old days of yore" is the 

[176] 



THE DEFENSE 

quick defensive adjustment necessitated by an 
unexpected forward pass. Even against the 
simplest form of forward pass the defense are un- 
certain for some time as to the ultimate direction 
and speed necessary to prevent the successful 
completion of the play. Added to this uncer- 
tainty is the player's further indecision whether 
to try for the ball or the opponent after he has 
caught it. His final decision which often neces- 
sitates change of action, must be almost instan- 
taneous, with the result that he is often found in 
an awkward position at the moment when he is 
called upon to perform a skillful act, i. e., tackle 
the runner. No wonder he does not tackle as 
low as his father did in 1890, nor with that 
deadly precision, for he has not time for either. 



[177] 



IX 
A GAME IN DETAIL 

IN ORDER to make the subject more realis- 
tic, the author will now describe a hypothet- 
ical game between two teams of about equal 
strength, which have been trained along similar 
lines of offensive and defensive strategy. It is 
impossible for any one individual to see all that 
happens during a football game. It is, however, 
entirely possible for him to understand every*- 
thing that occurs, and through this knowledge, 
by anticipating what will probably occur, see a 
great deal more than otherwise. It is in this 
frame of mind that the reader should follow this 
description which illustrates many events which 
usually happen during a football game, and hav- 
ing thus familiarized himself with them it is the 
author's sincere hope that he will derive more en- 
joyment from the actual contests which he wit- 
nesses. 

First period. The opening play is called the 
"kick-off," and among the rules relating to it is 
[178] 



A GAME IN DETAIL 

one which states that the side winning the toss 
of the coin has the choice of either defending one 
goal or of kicking off themselves; On the day 
of this game a strong wind is blowing directly 
down the field, so that our team, having won the 
toss, naturally elects to defend, during the first 
period, the windward goal. The enemy kick off 
from their forty yard line to our twenty yard 
line. Our team immediately lines up in kick 
formation, which has a tendency to spread the 
opponents' line because they fear an end run 
by the player standing in the kicker's position. 
Having thus threatened a sweep and a kick, our 
team tries what is called a fake kick which in this 
case consists of a plunge straight ahead through 
the widened gap between the opposing guards. 
It does not make an appreciable gain. We line 
up again in the same formation and this time 
execute a beautiful punt of forty-five yards, 
which carries to our opponents' thirty-five yard 
line, where the receiver is downed in his tracks. 
The enemy try three rushes, which gain eight 
yards, so that it is fourth down and two yards 
to go to establish a first down. Fearful of not 
gaining the required distance in the one remain- 
ing rush, they wisely kick to our twenty-seven 

[179] 



FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

yard line where the catcher is thrown near the 
side lines. We now run a play toward the mid- 
dle of the field, which is called a position play, 
for it is unwise to punt when the ball is too near 
the side lirtes, and although this play gains a 
good six yards yet because of the favoring wind 
we punt on our second down to our opponents' 
twenty-five yard line where again the runner is 
tackled without gain. 

The enemy are now in a difficult position, in 
that they realize tha't they will be outpunted, yet 
they dare not try any forward passes or trick 
plays. After futile attempts to gain by rushing, 
they punt, this time to our forty yard line, where 
the ball rolls out of bounds. 

Our team, after running two plays from a 
close formation, changes to an open formation, 
and because we have been kicking, our opponents' 
line again widens, this time in order to have a 
better chance at blocking our punt. Where- 
upon our quarterback, taking the ball himself, 
slips through between left guard and tackle for 
first down at midfield. 

We now have a wider choice of plays, be- 
cause even if a fumble does occur it will not be as 
disastrous as if the ball were deeper in our own 

[180] 



A GAME IN DETAIL 

territory. After two plays our quarterback 
orders what is called a criss-cross run (Plate 
IX), a play which starts in one direction and 
which, by the passage of the ball from one player 
to another, develops in the opposite direction. 
In this case, our opponents' right end is com- 
pletely fooled and we outflank him for twenty 
yards, making a first down on the opponents' 
thirty yard line. On third down with six yards 
to go, we try a forward pass, which is incomplete, 
i. e., the ball strikes the ground before any player 
can catch it. The penalty for this is another 
down, making fourth down and six yards to go. 
There is little chance to gain this distance by a 
rush, so we attempt a drop kick which just misses 
its mark. Except for this mistake each move 
has so far been according to Hoyle and may be 
likened to the opening plays of a chess match. 

A touchback has resulted from our try at goal, 
and the ball is now, according to the rules, put in 
play, with the enemy in possession of the ball, on 
their twenty yard line. As the ball is snapped 
for their fourth play one of our team is declared 
offside, which penalizes us five yards and gives a 
first down to our opponents. This was a bad 
mistake on our part because it allows our oppo- 

[181] 



FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

nents to start their rushing game again from a 
first down. Encouraged to continue their push- 
ing tactics, the enemy make material distance, 
but on second down, with six yards to go, are 
finally checked for a two-yard loss. In spite of 
this they try another rush, fumble the ball, and 
one of our players promptly drops on it. 

Here is a point where the opponents' quarter- 
back should be justly criticised, for with third 
down and eight yards to go he had little chance 
of gaining the required distance in the next two 
tries. Had he kicked on this down, say a punt of 
thirty yards, the ball would have carried to our 
thirty yard line. However, the damage is done. 
This kind of a mistake, when the usual scheme 
of play is marred by an error of commission or 
omission of one of the players, is called a 
"break." 

The ball is now ours on our opponents' thirty- 
five yard line with materially strengthened mor- 
ale as the result of our good fortune. Conse- 
quently, as often happens under similar circum- 
stances, our offense get going, and in two rushes 
we make first down on their twenty-five yard 
line. Three more rushes carry the ball to the 
fifteen yard line, but it take four tries to make 

[182] 



A GAME IN DETAIL 

the next first down on the opponents' five yard 
line. "It certainly looks bad" for the defense, 
except that as* a team is driven toward its own 
goal line it automatically strengthens like a spiral 
steel spring, with the goal line for its base. On 
our first try a fumble occurs, as the ball is passed 
from center to our quarterback, who luckily re- 
covers it with a half -yard loss. The next play, 
a slant over our opponents' right tackle, is splen- 
didly executed, and results in a three-yard gain. 
Third down. The following play carries the 
ball within two yards of the goal line. Fourth 
down. 

What would you do were you in the quarter- 
back's place? Remember that as we approached 
the goal line each succeeding first down was 
gained with greater effort. The enemy's line is 
greatly reinforced by two halfbacks who have 
stationed themselves directly behind their two 
tackles. The flanks are also strengthened by 
two wingbacks who, because the forward pass 
zone is restricted to ten yards beyond the goal 
line, take position much nearer the scrimmage 
line than usual. All things considered, the 
chances seem to be against our scoring by a rush 
or a forward pass, and in favor of a drop kick. 

[183] 



FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

Like a flash our quarterback makes his choice, 
decides upon a kick which he performs himself, 
and three points are credited to us. 

The enemy again kick off from the forty 
yard line. The wind has increased in velocity 
so that although a splendid runback carries the 
ball to our own thirty yard line a punt is straight- 
way called for, and is beautifully executed, 
high and so well directed away from the oppos- 
ing backfield that the ball bounces on the ground 
and rolls merrily along to* our opponents' twenty 
yard line. A beautiful play and well timed for, 
as the opponents are lining up, time is up for the 
first quarter. 

Let us pause for one minute with the players, 
who now change goals, while we summarize what 
has happened. 

Summary — The wind allowed us, in two ex- 
changes of punts, to gain from our own twenty 
yard liner, to our forty yard line, where we were 
able to bring full force and variety of attack into 
play. However, we were checked after a good 
advance, on our opponents' twenty-five yard line 
and missed an opportunity to score by field goal. 
The enemy, always deep in their own territory, 
tried to play safe, were helped once by our off- 

[184] 



A GAME IN DETAIL 

side, but made the fatal mistake of trying to 
rush too far, especially when it was third down, 
eight yards to go on their own thirty-eight yard 
line. The resulting fumble gave us a golden op- 
portunity, of which we took full advantage and 
advanced thirty yards. Our touchdown was 
probably lost on account of a fumble occurring. 
As slight compensation three points were scored 
by a goal from the field. A splendid punt by 
our kicker at the close of the period again put 
the enemy in a bad position, from which they 
were saved by time. 

Second period. On the opening play, with 
the enemy in possession of the ball on their 
own twenty yard line, our line makes the 
mistake of committing itself too thoroughly to 
a threatened punt, instead of which there ensues 
a sweep, which gains some twenty yards. In 
spite of this success, the enemy, who want to 
put us deep in our own territory, elect a punt, 
which is too low for their ends to cover. Our 
back, who catches- on his own twenty yard line, 
runs a good fifteen yards before being tackled. 
It is a pretty dash, during which the runner uses 
what is called the "straight-arm" on two oppon- 
ents, before he is finally tackled by a third. We 

[185] 



FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

cannot gain by rushing, and a poor kick to only 
mid-field follows, giving the enemy a long- 
sought-for opportunity to swing their offense 
into play. Crash! Bang! To our twenty-five 
yard line. From this point their second rush 
gains enough ground to give them a first down, 
but the umpire detects holding and penalizes 
them fifteen yards, making it third down on the 
forty yard line with twenty-five yards to gain. 
Many a championship game has been lost by 
such an occurrence. They now try a long for- 
ward pass, which is incomplete. Believing that 
the play should have been successful, they try it 
again, but our backfield purposely bat the ball to 
the ground on our ten yard line. As this was 
attempted on the fourth down, the rules give the 
ball to us at the point from which the play was 
attempted. In other words, on our forty yard 
line. Thus by batting instead of catching the 
ball, our team gains thirty valuable yards. 

It is apparent that we cannot hold our own 
in the kicking game against the wind, and as our 
opponents are rather anticipating the rushing 
game we try a forward pass on the second down, 
which is successful for a ten yard gain. Em- 
boldened by this success we try the same type of 

[186] 



A GAME IN DETAIL 

play two downs later, but one of the enemy's 
wingbacks this time intercepts the pass and runs 
to our thirteen yard line before he is finally 
thrown. This play is typical of a forward pass 
which goes wrong; it often acts as a boomerang 
and instead of a successful gain sometimes re- 
sults, as in this case, in a fearful loss. The 
enemy line up and in four plays make first 
down on our three yard line. Our defense is 
incapable of withstanding the onslaught and they 
score on the fourth attempt from our half -yard 
line. In these last eight plays, the strength of 
their attack lay in the superior "charge" of their 
line. Although the gains were short there was 
no slip and consequently a touchdown resulted 
and a goal was kicked, making the score 7 to 3 
in the enemy's favor. 

Toward the end of this period by the aid of 
the wind, the enemy were able to place a punt 
across the sideline at our nine yard line. With 
less than two minutes of play we endeavored to 
advance by rushing, but on fourth down were 
forced to kick. We should have tried to punt 
across the side line, but instead a "free catch" 
was made on our forty-two yard line from which 
the enemy kicked a beautiful goal from place- 

[187] 



FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

ment, making the score 10 to 3 in the enemy's 
favor. Almost immediately after time was 
called for the first half. 

Summary. A feature of the early part of 
this period was the manner in which we escaped 
from dangerous territory on three occasions: 
first, by our good runback of a punt, second, 
through the penalty inflicted on our enemy for 
holding, third, because on fourth down they un- 
wisely chose to try a forward pass, which was 
unsuccessful and resulted in the surrender of the 
ball. However, we soon after made a serious 
blunder in attempting a forward pass in our own 
territory, which being intercepted led to the 
first score for the enemy. Again we should 
never have allowed the enemy to make a fair 
catch with so little play time remaining. In 
other words, this whole period was character- 
ized by bad mistakes by both teams. 

Third period. During the intermission, which 
lasts fifteen minutes, the wind died down appre- 
ciably so that when our team, which is again 
playing against it, kicks off, it is able to send 
the ball almost to the enemy's goal. On the first 
play our opponents quite correctly kick, but un- 
fortunately their punter twists his ankle, and is 

[188] 



A GAME IN DETAIL 

forced to leave the field. His substitute is an 
inferior kicker, and perceptibly slower in the 
execution of his kicks. As a result, the enemy 
find that instead of being able to punt their 
way out of danger on the exchange of kicks, they 
are fighting deep in their own territory; and to 
make things worse the next kick is short, the 
ball going to us at midfield. 

Then ensues the second of those well-directed 
marches, which a team is sometimes able to make 
by superhuman effort, when the score is against 
it. Intermingling change of direction plays 
and strong line plays, with one forward pass, 
which started like a rush, our quarterback drives 
his team to a first down on its nine yard line, 
second down on their six yard line, third down 
on the four yard line, fourth down with only 
three yards to the goal line and only one more 
try. It is indeed a critical situation. Once 
again, what would you do were you in the quar- 
terback's shoes ? Kick, run, or pass ? In making 
your choice please remember the score as well 
as other factors. Our quarterback orders a kick 
formation and so places the rest of his backfield 
that the best protection is obtained for a drop 
kick. The defense are determined to block the 

[189] 



FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

kick and as the ball is snapped their line converge 
on the kicker's foot. He makes every pretense 
of kicking but at the last moment whirls and pas- 
ses the ball diagonally forward to his end, who is 
speeding toward the side lines. An enemy half- 
back has sensed the play and just as the ball is 
caught by our end he tackles the runner. We 
fail to make a touchdown by less than a half -yard. 

Even now the enemy are not "out of the 
woods," because should we block their kick we 
would probably score. But their substitute 
kicker punts well. Our back catches the ball at 
the thirty-five yard line and starts to run in, but 
when fiercely tackled he drops the ball and an ad- 
versary recovers it. This gives our opponents a 
first down on their thirty yard line and the mis- 
take constitutes a "break" of the worst sort. 
The enemy kick at once to our twenty-five yard 
line so that in two plays they gain seventy-five 
yards. On this last play, in making his tackle 
one of their ends is badly shaken up but insists 
upon resuming play. Still somewhat dazed he 
is unable on the next play to hold off the inter- 
ference which is directed against him. The 
runner, seeing the tackle is well boxed, cuts in. 
As he is about to be tackled by the secondary 

[190] 



A GAME IN DETAIL 

defense another interferer comes to his rescue. 
He then dodges the third line of defense and 
after a splendid run of thirty-five yards is forced 
out of bounds by the one remaining defensive 
player. This gives us first down on the oppo- 
nents' forty yard line. We now change our 
tactics and try three long forward passes, each 
of which is incomplete. On the fourth down 
the punter, by kicking diagonally across the field, 
tries to place his kick outside, near the oppo- 
nents' goal line but the defending back antici- 
pates his move and intercepting the ball runs to 
his thirty yard line before he is finally tackled. 
Time is now called, and in the one minute of 
rest which follows the teams change goals. 

Summary. In contrast to the preceding 
period this quarter was marked by excellent 
play, especially our offensive march of forty- 
seven yards ending in a failure to score by an 
eyelash. To be sure, that fumble of ours was 
a bad blemish, but the long run directly after, 
which almost scored, compensated greatly by 
taking us out of our own territory. Had any 
of the long forward passes been completed we 
should have tied the score. 

Fourth period. The enemy in possession of 

[191] 



FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

the ball on their own thirty yard line try two 
sweeps from a kick formation, but fail to gain. 
From the same formation our ends naturally 
think he is going to punt and so press in on the 
kicker, who fakes a punt and then starts around 
the exposed flank. Unfortunately our wing 
halfback misses his tackle so that the runner 
continues for a material gain. For some time 
afterwards, the ball see-saws up and down the 
field with no particular advantage gained by 
either side. On one occasion we made a good ad- 
vance by forward passes from a spread formation 
which had the desired result of weakening the 
third line of defense. The enemy avert a sure 
score by intercepting a pass just as our end is 
about to catch the ball. Later on from third 
down we make a long forward pass which 
strikes the ground just over the goal line, caus- 
ing a touchback. Perhaps the reader may criti- 
cise the judgment of this play, but keep in mind 
the score and also the fact that had the ball 
struck within the field of play it would have been 
an incomplete forward pass and we should have 
had another down left. In other words if criti- 
cism is to be made, it should be on faulty execu- 
tion rather than against the play itself. 
[192] 



A GAME IN DETAIL 

The enemy meanwhile made several successful 
gains, mostly through the use of the same fake 
kick which they employed in the early part of 
this period. Finally with four down and four 
yards to* go, their center passes so poorly to the 
kicker that he is forced to forego an attempt to 
kick, is compelled to run, and is thrown two 
yards of the required distance. Thus the enemy 
are held for downs, and we obtain possession of 
the ball on our own forty-five yard line. 

A substitute quarterback for our team is now 
sent in. He gives a simple sounding signal and 
a simple plunge follows, without gain. Groans 
ensue from the spectators, who of course are look- 
ing for a desperate trick play, but before they 
or the enemy realize it, the ball is again put in 
play without signal, and a sweep around end en- 
sues. The runner is almost free. He swerves 
near the side line and dodging the last defensive 
player continues across the enemy's goal line. A 
touchdown! The referee, however, decides that 
the runner stepped on the side line at the thirty- 
five yard line so play is resumed at that point. 
We are unable to gain, so on fourth down a drop 
kick is attempted. This is partially blocked by 
the opponents, thus putting our team "onside," 

[193] 



FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

and eligible to recover the ball. The ball, how- 
ever, continues its flight and rolls over the goal 
line where one of our players falls on it. 
Another touchdown ! But no, the officials rightly 
decide that the impetus which caused the ball to 
roll over the goal line came from the attacking 
side, which according to the rules makes the play 
a touchback. Had our player been able to reach 
the ball within the field of play he could have leg- 
ally retained it. Such are the breaks of the game. 

Our team is naturally almost spent after these 
disappointments and as the enemy line up on 
their own twenty yard line our captain asks how 
much time is left. We can see by the scrutiny 
with which the field judge looks at his watch 
that very little time remains. The enemy play 
three times slowly, then punt. Up to this time 
our backfield had caught every kick cleanly but 
on this occasion, because the sun was directly in 
the eyes of our quarterback, he muffed the ball 
and an opponent promptly pounced on it. It 
would seem that "all was over but the cheering." 

The enemy are now playing with such deliber- 
ation that our captain calls for "time out" and 
complains to the referee. In preparation for 
the fourth play the enemy quarterback repeats 

[194] 



A GAME IN DETAIL 

his signal twice, whereupon the referee penal- 
izes his team two yards for delaying the game, 
thus making fourth down, six yards to go. An 
end is now substituted on our team. Very de- 
liberately the enemy assume a kick formation. 
The signal is called equally deliberately, but the 
pass to the kicker which is a trifle high unsettles 
his stance. Our substitute end, with but one 
object in mind, sweeps in and blocks the ensuing 
punt. The ball bounces gaily toward the 
enemy's goal. Their kicker is nearest to it and 
just as he is preparing to throw himself on it one 
of our players bumps him and he sprawls 
short of the ball. Comes another of our men, 
fumbles the ball momentarily, recovers it and is 
off. An enemy is two yards from him and as 
they near the goal line he dives at our player and 
throws him, but together they slide over the goal 
line. Touchdown! Pandemonium lets loose, 
but to tie the score our team has yet to make one 
more point. We therefore, according to the new 
rule, line up our opponents' five yard line. The 
best drop kicker in our squad is sent in. He 
kicks a perfect drop goal and the game is over. 
Summary. From the beginning of this period 
we were determined to upset the enemy's kick- 

[195] 



FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

ing game, which had faltered after their substi- 
tute came in, but when our line committed 
themselves to blocking opponents' kicks they 
uncovered their flanks so that on two occasions 
the enemy turned them for material gains. 
Nevertheless, by pursuing the same tactics we 
forced the kicker on fourth down to run, thus 
gaining possession of the ball. Finally, when 
all seemed lost, by persisting in these same tac- 
tics, we succeeded in gaining our object, blocking 
a punt and tying the score as the result. 

As a whole, this game may appear to have 
been raggedly played, but an analysis shows that 
there were fewer errors than usually happen in 
a well-played game. I have emphasized these 
mistakes, for few spectators appreciate either 
the number of errors which occur or how seri- 
ously they handicap the offending team. Every 
coach and player is well aware of the importance 
of playing correct football, but in spite of their 
combined efforts mistakes creep into the play, 
and mar an otherwise perfect performance. So 
in this case, as each team made approximately 
the same number of mistakes and showed about 
equal strength in the various other departments 
of the game, the result was a tie. 

[196] 



X 

THE WHEREFORE OF FOOTBALL 

FOOTBALL, of necessity, is a rough and 
strenuous game ; of necessity, because as 
long as sturdy, eager, striving youths 
come into direct bodily contact, more or less 
bumps and bruises and even serious injuries are 
bound to result. 

President Lowell of Harvard says of the 
game in his 1921 report: 

"Although the severity of the injuries suffered 
and especially the danger to life have been ma- 
terially diminished by the changes in the rules 
made a dozen years ago, football remains a rough 
and strenuous sport in which injuries are often 
received that impair the efficiency of the players 
for a couple of weeks or more." 

Why then do the authorities of universities 
tolerate this sport, and parents permit their sons 
to participate? 

It is, of course, easy to understand the popu- 
larity of the game with the spectator. Ever 

[197] 



THE WHEREFORE OF FOOTBALL 

and anon, the arenas of contest calling for 
personal contact of man with man or man with 
beast, and involving danger and risk of life, have 
been crowded with frenzied spectators. It is 
also easy to understand the outward appeal the 
game has to youth. Even the danger and 
chance of injury produce a certain fascination 
which alone furnish football teams with many 
recruits. 

But what do the saner minds of authorities 
and the more sober minds of parents find in this 
game to warrant its continuation? 

The many reasons lying behind the answer to 
this question fall into two natural classes; first, 
the advantages which are peculiar to this sport, 
and second, the steady progress which has been 
made in recent years toward minimizing the 
dangers and eliminating the evils of the game. 

As to the latter too much cannot be said of 
the untiring efforts of the Rules Committee. 
This Committee has legislated intelligently to- 
ward a definite goal — the elimination from the 
field of play of tactics and practices which all too 
frequently lead to serious injuries. This is seen 
in the limitation put upon the use of hands and 
the barring of pushing and pulling, clipping, pil- 

[198] 



THE WHEREFORE OF FOOTBALL 

ing on, tripping, hurdling, roughing the kicker 
or passer, etc. These practices often led in the 
heat of contest to abuse and displays of brutality 
which besides producing injuries harmed the re- 
putation of the game. 

The Rules Committee has constantly en- 
deavored to put the game upon a higher plane of 
sportsmanship. In this effort to make the inter- 
collegiate games more gentlemanly contests, both 
coaches and officials have given their hearty co- 
operation, and it has become generally recog- 
nized that contestants can make their supreme 
effort without transgressing rules of gentle- 
manly conduct and without necessarily regard- 
ing their opponents as contemptuous enemies. 

At the same time, as we have seen, there has 
been a tremendous improvement in the medical 
and physical handling of the players. The vital 
necessity of always having at hand a competent 
medical advisor has been recognized. With it 
has come a revolution in the attitude of the 
coaches toward making substitutions with a view 
to preventing minor injuries from becoming 
major and avoiding the serious injuries which 
may result from playing an individual to a state 
of absolute physical exhaustion. Foolish ideas 

[199] 



FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

and traditions of coaches and players as to the 
disgrace of being removed from the game have 
given away to the simple and sane decision of a 
doctor whose sole interest is to prevent serious 
injury. 

So much for the reduction of the chief causes 
of criticism and complaint. 

What then are the advantages, mental, physi- 
cal, and moral, which overcome objections 
arising from the possibility of serious injury? 

First, it must be remembered that football is 
almost exclusively an interscholastic and inter- 
collegiate sport. The men who best know and 
teach football are college men, and for this rea- 
son are far better educated than the average 
coach in other sports. In most cases they are 
also business or professional men, and quite fre- 
quently members of the faculty of a school or 
college. 

Furthermore, the character of the game itself 
requires that the instructor possess more than 
average intellectuality. When analyzed, foot- 
ball is nothing more than a somewhat complicated 
game of human chess. It is a contest of science 
requiring not only a ready familiarity with the 
mathematical principles involved, but an ability 

[200] 



THE WHEREFORE OF FOOTBALL 

at the same time to execute physically the neces- 
sary manoeuvres when the players are under the 
greatest possible tension and pressure. 

Thus the individual must be taught to think 
as well as to act, and to do both at high speed, 
with a consciousness that full responsibility for 
thinking incorrectly and performing imperfectly 
is placed upon him by thousands of spectators. 
Not only this, but he must be taught to repeat 
this operation time after time when his mind is 
groggy, his body weary and his whole being in 
revolt. His will-power must dominate him. 

One man lacks the mental calibre, another the 
physical power or speed, another having both is 
unable to co-ordinate the two, still another fails 
under the nervous tension. Few realize how 
many men are deficient in the power to "carry 
on" when physical exhaustion sets in, or, to use 
a homely but apt expression, how many are lack- 
ing in "guts." It is the problem of the coach 
to overcome these failings. Upon his ability to 
do so depends his success. It is therefore small 
wonder that the successful coach must himself 
have a good intellect, a strong personality and a 
thorough understanding of human nature. 
Constant association with such a man cannot fail 

[201] 



FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

to be beneficial to the average undergraduate. 

From an educational standpoint alone, the 
training received during the football season is 
more valuable than many of the college courses. 
The mental gymnastics of mathematical courses 
give a certain amount of brain development 
which is lacking in the more general informative 
courses. Football develops a man in the same 
way only more so, because the interest of the 
pupil is intensive and his absorption in the sub- 
ject more complete. Furthermore, he faces a 
daily examination on the field of play, an ex- 
amination unlimited in scope and never ending 
in its variety. Unless the player's mental lesson 
is perfect his individual physical prowess wastes 
itself in faulty application. Because of this the 
coach detects promptly and accurately the faults 
in his own instruction, and learns early the ne- 
cessity of making his instruction simple and di- 
rect, eliminating the unessential and presenting 
the subject in such a manner as to make it clear 
even to the more stupid members of his squad. 
The successful coach is generally a skillful 
teacher, and this fact, combined with the absorb- 
ing interest of his subject, permits him to com- 
mand the attention of the student in such a way 

[202] 



THE WHEREFORE OF FOOTBALL 

as to arouse the envy of many a professor who 
has observed the same student a few hours earlier 
stupidly drowsing through a lecture. 

The men are taught by talks and blackboard 
demonstrations, and then are required to go 
through field demonstrations at slow speed, so 
that each one will get an actual visualization as 
well as theory of each maneuver before he 
is required to employ his full energy in the 
finished performance. 

It is only in the more vital contests that the 
degree of intelligence required is fully appreci- 
ated, and then only by those who understand 
the fundamental reasons behind the sudden 
change in the complexion of a game. In such 
critical contests each offensive play requires, 
first, the discovery or creation of a point of weak- 
ness in the opposing defense, and, second, the 
intelligent selection of the play which will best 
take advantage of that weakness. Each defen- 
sive play consists of the proper deployment of the 
defensive men to meet the offensive formation 
and then the quick and accurate diagnosis of the 
play once it is underway, to determine the nature 
and point of attack in order to meet it success- 
fully. In either case the failure of any one of the 

[203] 



FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

eleven individuals in any single play may mean 
the difference betwen success and defeat. 

This is one of the many reasons why those 
participating in the game must be willing to sub- 
mit to the most rigid discipline. Only by such 
discipline can errors be minimized if not elimin- 
ated. Only by such discipline can each man's 
full attention and physical energy be confined to 
the particular duty assigned to him for the ac- 
complishment of an ultimate result. Every 
man cannot run with the ball, nor can every man 
be allowed his own discretion in choosing the 
particular territory he prefers to defend. It is 
a game of individual sacrifice for the general 
good of the team — the submission to the com- 
mand of the directing player with an ever pres- 
ent realization that success is dependent upon 
the perfect performance of each individual. 

This necessity for concerted action teaches the 
individual that accomplishment requires organ- 
ization and response to intelligent leadership. 
This is the lesson of team efficiency as opposed 
to disjointed individual effort, no matter how 
brilliant. Few people realize that it takes more 
than a few so-called stars to make a good foot- 
ball team. On the other hand many great f oot- 

[204] 



THE WHEREFORE OF FOOTBALL 

ball teams have made stars of mediocre indi- 
viduals. 

There is still another form of discipline which 
is of equal if not greater value to the student of 
football. It is the intensive discipline of the 
individual over himself. First, he must learn 
the comparatively simple rule of self-control. 
Displays of temper, no matter how provoking 
the occasion, do no good and generally greatly 
interfere with the thinking processes of the an- 
gered individual. Second, he must learn that 
few, if any, men ever reach the limit of their 
development. Most men do not begin to know 
themselves, their capacity to stand physical fa- 
tigue and their power, to absorb bodily punish- 
ment. Many so-called "quitters" are men who 
have never been properly taught to make use of 
the possibilities within themselves. These men 
have permitted the natural repulsion of the body 
to punishment to create an atmosphere of fear. 
They think only of the relief which comes from 
desisting. By a process of education such an 
individual can be taught to master this fear by 
the gradual realization that exhaustion and pain 
are but temporary, and that recovery therefrom 

[205] 



FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

is astoundingly rapid. Following this discovery 
the individual soon begins to discipline himself 
by the exercise of his will to bring out latent 
power. He learns that his body, properly cared 
for, is something to command rather than to 
yield to ; and soon he is able to measure properly 
and expend intelligently his full natural physical 
resources. 

The player becomes introspective ; then he be- 
gins to see also within others — his own team- 
mates and his opponents. He learns to appraise 
others, to appreciate their weakness and their 
strength. In short, he has made a great stride 
in the understanding of human nature. 

The game contains many other valuable expe- 
riences for the individual. He learns the ne- 
cessity of hard, untiring effort to secure skill 
and perfection of performance. He gains the 
confidence to assume full responsibilities, and the 
ability to work unaffected in the presence of 
large audiences. The intelligent player soon 
learns to take victory modestly, to accept defeat 
gracefully, and to analyze these victories and de- 
feats for the ascertainment of the real underly- 
ing causes. In short the game provides un- 

[206] 



THE WHEREFORE OF FOOTBALL 

limited opportunity for self development, not 
only along physical lines, but also in creating 
powers of imagination and resourcefulness. 

Furthermore, there are certain team attributes 
that are peculiarly emphasized in this sport. 
Football is essentially a game of team evolutions 
and team accomplishments. In no other sport 
is it so fundamentally essential to develop in a 
team a spirit of brotherly love and loyalty, and 
to gather the players together by a bond of sym- 
pathy which will enable them to respond readily 
and unitedly to the pyschology of the occasion. 

More recently the increasing interest in the 
game has aroused the criticism that important in- 
ter-collegiate contests have become great "public 
spectacles," with an intimation that they are not 
altogether healthy for the college or for the 
public. It is difficult to formulate any definite 
reply because of the somewhat intangible nature 
of the criticism. 

Those who attend these week-end "spectacles" 
are undergraduates, graduates, and the public at 
large. The undergraduate generally acts as 
escort to parents, friends, or girl acquaintances; 
and after the game spends the evening in some 
healthy form of entertainment. That under- 

[207] 



FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

graduate who has spent the afternoon out of 
doors, feeling almost as keenly as the players 
themselves the pangs of defeat or the joys of 
victory, and has spent the evening in the com- 
panionship of his friends or relatives, is far bet- 
ter off than the undergraduate who, on Satur- 
days when there is no game to hold him, starts 
out in search of some sort of amusement which 
may be much less wholesome. 

Again, on what other occasion do hearts beat 
in such unison and such common impulses move 
the crowd? What is more effective to quicken in 
the veins of the undergraduate a deep and last- 
ing loyalty to his Alma Mater and to develop a 
spirit of kinship among men who, in the class- 
room, have gazed at each other almost as 
strangers ? In other words, the game of football 
is itself an institution, molding what is spoken 
of in American universities as "college spirit." 

It is hardly necessary to point out what the 
game means to the graduate, whether he is able 
to attend in person or learn of its results by tele- 
graphic or newspaper reports. 

Is there any graduate who does not hear with a 
thrill of pride of the achievements of his uni- 
versity team? To see the team play and to talk 

[208] 



FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

about the team and the players makes a gradu- 
ate young again, and furnishes a relaxation to 
his tired mind and a stimulation to his discour- 
aged soul that sends him back to his work a bet- 
ter and a stronger man. 

There is nothing which brings the thoughts 
of the average graduate back to his college and 
keeps him in touch with his Alma Mater quite 
so much as the football season. It is hard to 
believe that this participation in the "public 
spectacle" prevents a man from following with 
keen interest the educational progress and the 
scientific achievements of his college. If they 
are obscured to any degree it is only because the 
newspaper notoriety given to the game for the 
moment has been perhaps disproportionate. 

As for the public at large, is it possible that 
their attendance at the game or their reading of 
the results in the daily newspapers is productive 
of some baneful influence? On the contrary it 
would seem that what is good for the undergrad- 
uate or the graduate must also be good for 
the public, because after all the only difference 
is one of fortune and not of breed. Certainly 
no greater opportunity presents itself for the 

[209] 



THE WHEREFORE OF FOOTBALL 

wholesale teaching of good sportsmanship and of 
gentlemanly conduct. 

In this connection we may refer again to organ- 
ized cheering. This queer collegiate form of ex- 
pression at one time threatened to outgrow its 
usefulness. The imaginative and resourceful 
undergraduate developed it almost to the point 
of abuse. A movement for its abolition re- 
sulted. But clearer minds discerned its possibil- 
ities and guided its course into sounder channels 
until it is now recognized as a most effective 
means of stimulating good sportsmanship. 
Through organized cheering new ideals have been 
conveyed to the spectator, such as the impropriety 
of applauding when an opponent is penalized or 
a player injured, or of attempting to confuse the 
players or prevent them from giving or hearing 
their signals. In short, in spite of the tremen- 
dous enthusiasm and partisanship of a football 
audience, that same crowd, perhaps ninety thou- 
sand in all, has come to typify all that is best and 
most sportsmanlike in American athletic gather- 
ings. 

In conclusion, football is inherently an Ameri- 
can game and essentially a college game. In it 

[210] 



FOOTBALL AND HOW TO WATCH IT 

we find most of the red-blooded ideals which we 
are proud to believe are particularly American. 
If by reason of the strenuosity of the game, evils 
now and then crop out, let us patiently trust that 
they will soon be ironed away; and if by reason 
of the intense enthusiasm of the spectators the 
game assumes a position of exaggerated impor- 
tance, let us rest assured that under intelligent 
guidance sooner or later it will reach its proper 
level. But in the meantime, let us not in a 
criticism of the superficialities of the game over- 
look those things which make it so distinctly 
worth while. 



[211] 



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